FRIENDSHIP

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had.

joe and dixon cowboy prom 2009

VEGAS!!!

What a great trip to NFR, just rolled back into town on Monday. It was such a awesome time, we worked hard, played hard, laughed, smiled. The energy was amazing. Thanks to all those who i got to go with and have such a great time.
Life is a series of collisions with the future. It is not the sum of what we have been, but what we yearn to be!!!
Life is just this, not about what we have been thru and what has happened in the past. Its a great opportunity and if we grasp it and run with much enthusiasm, it will lead us to great, great, people, things, the once unattainable!!!
Happy Days!!!

Thankful for friends

" A FAITHFUL FRIEND IS A STRONG DEFENSE; AND HE THAT HATH FOUND ONE HATH FOUND A TREASURE"
Thanks to all those great friends I have. Each day I am so thankful for all of you. I have been so fortunate to learn and grow by having so much. Friends who are great athletes, talented horse women and men, caring, kind, forgiving, hard working, faithful, full of kindness.
So Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for your friendship!
Our family had a great weekend in St.George, Dixon won the calf roping with a 9.2 run and some awesome rides in the bulls. Cowboy Prom was Friday night, he took Bailee Pulham, she was the cutest girl there. They had a great time, went to dinner, danced and laughed.
Headed to vegas for the finals on Sunday, warm sunny vegas. Cant wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTl0gLHn6d0

love

LOVE IS EVERYTHING ITS CRACKED UP TO BE. THATS WHY PEOPLE ARE SO CYNICAL ABOUT IT, IT REALLY IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR, BEING BRAVE FOR, RISKING EVERYTHING FOR. AND TROUBLE IS, IF YOU DON'T RISK ANYTHING YOU RISK EVEN MORE.
THIS STATEMENT HOLDS DEEP TO LIFE, IF YOU REALLY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT LIFE THEN YOU HAVE TO LOVE IT AND RISK EVERYTHING OR LOOSE EVERY THING. LIFE IS ALWAYS WORTH THE RISK.
LIFE IS EVERYTHING ITS CRACKED UP TO BE, ITS WORTH FIGHTING FOR. A FRIEND OF MINE IS WRITING A BOOK ABOUT HER LIFE. I CAN BARELY WAIT UNTIL ITS COMPLETE. WHAT AN AWESOME, EXCITING WORK!! BETTER THAN A SCIENCE EXPERIMENT I THINK. MIGHT HAVE TO TRY IT SOME DAY.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE SERENTIY OF MY INNER BEING FLOWS INTO EVERYTHING I DO AND LIES BENEATH EVERY WORD I SPEAK!

year end awards~

Well another fantastic season has come to a close for the Central Utah Jr. Rodeo association. What a fantastic night of awards, food, fun and an awesome guest speaker. I wanted to change it up a little, so i invited a friend who is so talented in so many different avenues, Danna Burns Shaw. Danna came and shared with the kids and parents some fantastic ideas.
Mostly about our thoughts, two most important things of the day. Our first and last thoughts. Then giving thanks and sending it out to the universe and watching our returns. Service, give back. She had that Danna Shaw twinkle in her eye and i knew we would be in for an evening of great words.
2009 saddles were given to the all-arounds, congrats to all of you and congrats to the reserve all around winners. One of my favorite winners of the night were the winners of the 13-17 heeling events. Racheal Fackrell went home with this award, and it was her first buckle win!!! How exciting, I get to rope with Racheal all the time and she truly inspires me. She has grown leaps and bounds and overcome so huge obstacles. She is a winner in the arena and definitely life! Another favorite was Zeek and Dan Woodland, Dan's first buckle win with his son. Those don't get any better, way to go boys. I love to see teams, team up and win. And last but not least Grandpa Winn, he showed up more than once to win a prize with Shad, Dixon and Brent. What a huge hero he is to me, and my children. He never thinks he is capable, but oh does he know! Great job to all of you.
Every year i feel a little frazzled as everything comes to a year. Then it's so overwhelming to me to see so many kids effort truly pay off. thanks for all the hugs, and special words, Casy and I love to be in the service of all you, that's truly what makes it worth while!!@!!

Busy week!!!

Well, well, well, life in the fast lane. This week has been busy, Monday was off to try a new horse, Tuesday to Vernal to work on horses and people with the acuscope, Wednesday off to i don't remember, Thursday work on more horses and people, oh ya lost a tooth eating a tootsie roll, in to the dentist for a root canal!Q!!! ya that was a great time, and then a little roping.
Friday off to the temple after a long day of cleaning outside, riding a horse, fixing a cut horse, mowing the lawn before winter!!! The temple was amazing, can't ever get enough of the quiet peice i feel there, Arbys with my hot date finished the night out. What a lucky girl I am.
Saturday was an early morning, meeting Destiny and heading to St.George with Harmonic Health, to do a demonstration with the Acuscope at a Vicki Solomson Barrel Racing Clinic!! It was amazing, Vicki is a great clinician, horsewomen, and nice person. We worked on some great horses, and made some good contacts. Fun day with Destiny and her little helpers.
My life is great, I am so satisfied with so many things. The future is as bright as my faith, wow that's a little scary.
The poet Robert Frost wrote, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." I have come to believe that there are certain hard moments, diverging-road moments, that , if we are strong in them, will make all the differene" down the road of life!!!
The road that I have been traveling with Destiny Crane the last month has been so inspirational. The people we come in contact each day are amazing, every one of them having hope, and faith, and full of love. We have been able to work on some parapalegic's, old people, tons of animal athletes, friends, families. The stories are overwhelming, and so satisfing. Being able to serve someone else each day is awesome. Heres to another busy week!!!!

CUJR FINALS~~~~~

Well what an eventful weekend we had. It was our CUJR finals in Salina, we all had a blast! I want you all to know that its "YOU" the members who make it all worth while!!! I love to watch kids grow and get better, and compete, win or loose.
So many horses have improved, one in particular is Kylee Mackelprang in the poles at the start of the season she was running a new horse. In June she ran some 28.0 in the poles, and at the finals she ran some low 20.0. Way to go Ky!!! You are amazing to me, time, dedication, effort. I am so impressed!!!!
KyLeigh Winn for a 25.0 second pole run, fastest yet!!! Your awesome!! Rhett Nielson for riding one rank dude in the short round and scoring a great score!!! Shad Winn for getting bucked off a good horse and keeping up the hard work the next day tying a 11.00 in the goats!!!!
Dixon Winn for turning 17, and letting us gloat over the loud speaker all day!!!Teresa Fackrell for working your little tail off as secretary, Lex and Elisa, Dan and Lisa, Edna, Terry, Shauna, Mackelprangs and everyone i can't even name!!! We love you and are so thankful you can help us.
The banquet will be fun to give the prizes, saddles, buckles, and enjoy each others company once again.
And then there was swine flu, that was the worst of the weekend, KyLeigh Jo Winn had a temp of 102 Sunday and found out Monday we were positive for strep and influenza! She is feeling better, and will miss school this week.
Well thanks again and heres to another fantastic year!!!

Every DAY so worth living

The last few weeks, I have been on the run. Between football, horses, kids, school and acucsope. WOW!! Destiny and I have been on the run treating so many horses, and humans.
We have had the opportunity to treat a man who had a ton bale fall onto his head two years ago. He was a horse trainer, self employed with a thrifty business. Things have changed for their small family now. The wife is taking care of her husband, who only has very few skills. Each time we treat him, he smiles, has learned some new words, can swat flies with his hat, and say bullshit. You never know what might happen tommorow, so make sure you cherish every day.
This wife has touched my heart, she is so kind, and has such compassion for her husband. He can squeeze her hand, but can only say a few words. I know that through treatments, and hope and faith he will get better. The selfless service she gives day in and day out is truly touching.
Horses have been healed and its been awesome to watch. For the most part they love it, they lick and chew. Even those wild race horses, seem to look forward to seeing us.
Our travels have taken us to some great places, this is so great. Life couldn't be any better. Just living every moment!

Every DAY

courage

With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strenghth to be compassionatte and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation to integrity. Keshavan Nair

Acuscope-Myopulse for new winn business

I am so excited!!! I just spent the past four days in Salina, learning about the Thorpe Institute and Acuscope, and the Myopulse. My friend, Destiny Crane, has been doing it since January. When we traveled to Arizona together we talked about it and know I am so excited to be apart of her team.
The Acuscope & Myopulse are nothing new, they have been in the industry since the 70's for humans. But recently they have made the machines available for our four legged friends!!!
The Acuscope is a input/output device that sends an electric stimulation into the body and recieves biofeedback. It works at 100x/second in a square wave stimulation. It works on the nervous/brain tissue, and is such a great heeler. It removes toxins from the body, and sends new blood to old tissue for healing purposes.
We worked on lots of horses in Salina, studied, studied, worked on horses and then the exam. I will work with Destiny until I can get my own machine, which i hope is not to long. So excited., to help others and horses. Ye-ha!!!

KyLeigh owns the roping pen!!!!

Watch out world, here comes Kyleigh jo winn in the roping pen!!! So I have to say that my seven year old is pretty passionate about swinging a rope! It has been so fun to see here take something and began a journey.
This summer she and Dixon decided she needed to rope. So he spent many a hour out on the dummy with her roping. She caught her first calf at a the first rodeo she entered in a 6.5 and won second place. Tell me how lucky that is.
Tonight we roped calves, and tied goats. All the kids did great and worked hard. But I found out what motivates my little blue eyed monster, BISCUITS AND GRAVY!!!!! Oh yes, she said if i catch you have to make us biscuts and gravy. She dosent like it together. But dang she ran out there like she had roped twenty years and pounded that jersey!!!!! We laughed a little and had so much fun.
School is going great, the kids love what they are doing. We have roped or dogged every night this week, and its gone good. Life really is what you make it, and boy ours is rich. We may still have the same ford from the past ten years, and our car is as old as i am. But i wouldn't trade what we have going. Sorry to brag a little, but it makes my heart smile.
We have had such a great summer in the practice pen, and hauling to little amauter rodeos this summer.
Dream big, smile often, love those who are around you, eat icecream, learn to laugh at yourself, make a new friend, kiss your mom, hug your dad, just living the dream here in little old Nephi,UT.

Home is where your heart is

Last weekend, we traveled to Vernal to a high school rodeo. Yep, its where home was for 10 years. It was a great weekend. Dixon didn't have much success at the rodeo on Saturday. THe boys went to Boren's Friday night and roped till 2 in the morning, calves, team rope and just had a blast. Kyleigh and Shad stayed the night and then came the next morning with McKenzie.
Saturday after the rodeo, we headed to Randlett, where Joe had aranged a hot date for he and Dixon, and since they were broke they had the girls to the house for hamburgars and hotdogs, and then watched the cowboy way in the house trailer. Dixon had a ton of fun, and really enjoyed his date. It makes me laugh to see those boys together, they bring out the best in each other.
Casy and I visited with Shane and Lisa, helped with a few chores and had much fun!! Thanks to the Frosts and Borens for a great weekend!!
Sunday morning we headed to the little Branch in Randlett. WOW is all i can say, so special to me. Its where I discovered the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. Overwhelming thougths overcame me as I sat and listened to the talks. THen we got to see all of those who made us so welcome, the branch president, relief society president, all from when we were there. The tears just streamed down my cheeks, what a great love and compassion I felt in my heart for all those who loved us so much. Didn't care about our past, only about helping us and teaching us about the truths of the gospel.
True Love is a process. True loves requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time . . . speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time. The Great Shepherd had the same thought in mind when he taught, "If ye love me , keep my commandments" and "If ye love me feed my sheep" Love is a process. . . and we can often best show our love though the processess of feeding and keeping. Marvin Ashton
This is why we should pray with all the energy of our heartsw that we might possess the pure love of Christ - Moroni 7:48
Thanks to all of you who have shown me how to love, and loved me for being me!!!!

Back to School!!

This week has been back to school. KyLeigh is a second grader, Shad is a Fifth Grader, and Dixon a jr, and Casy the Science Teacher, with his newly acquired masters.
KyLeigh is so excited, she could barely go to sleep on Tuesday night after back to school night. Her teacher Mrs.Worthington has a rat and a snake. That and snacks are her favorite so far.
SHad has Mrs.Keen, who is in our ward and he had her in primary. She is a great girl, played college basketball, and is a great teacher he is excited.
Dixon, needless to say was not excited to go back. Although I am pretty sure he is glad to be getting closer to moving out on his own!!
Summer has been fun, lots of mountain horse rides, practicing, competing, swimming, laughing, and lots of hauling hay!!!! The fresh air in the mountains does a body so good!!! I took a 3 year old up tonight for a big ride, she did awesome. We made it close to the top of the red cliffs, and you could see so many ridges and skylines. Nothing like that, to clear your thoughts.
Reminded me to step back and take a look at the good things in peoples lives. Sometimes its easy to become offended and mad. Needless to say I have much improvement to do in this area!!! I only want to be positive and really use the law of attraction. It works, if you think those positive thoughts and put your mind to use, as well as your hands good things will come of it.
Well here's to a great school year, Dixon did well in Delta last weekend, 3rd in the calf roping on Friday with a 9.5, and 7Th in the dogging with a 7.0 and 4Th in the team roping. Saturday i think we scored a few points in the calf roping, everything else went south!!!! We are headed to Randolph this weekend, for a one day waa-hoo.

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tagged by cara!!!

8 things to look forward to:
1. My next birthday, ha!
2. Temple marriages with my children
3. Kids living their dreams, and acomplishing goals
4. Roping and Running barrels in Arizona when my children are grown with Casy!!!
5. Riding great horses
6. Always having great friends
7. Lunch! YUM
8. Sunday's - they are my favorite! NAP
9. 50 years of marriage to the same man
10. World Championships for my kids!

8 things I did this weekend
1. Laundry
2. Washed a pig
3. Rode some colts in a pleasure class, winning a blue
4. Watched my kids win some blue ribbons riding their horses
5. Church
6. Nap
7. Mowed the lawn
8. Talked on the phone a little to my buddy joseph
9. Helped at a 4-h show
10. Washed horses

8 things I wish I could do.
1. Swim
2. More Faith
3. Always see the positive
4. Love more
5. Worry Less
6. Dream big
7. Sleep less
8. Live Long
9. Run farther faster
10. Always find the good in others!!!

8 shows I watch:
1. I don't watch T.V.

8 places I would travel
1. Tibet
2.China
3.Russia
4.East Coast
5.Mongolia
6. Australia
7. New Zealand
8. West Coast
9. Oklahoma
10. Caribean

8 people I tag:
1.Lisa Woodland
2.Marrisa Davis
3.Casy WInn
4.Jade Witbeck
5. DAnna Shaw
6.Stacey Call
7. STephanie Gilepse
8. Teresa Fackrell
9. My sister

The FAIR

Fair week is over !!!!!! YEH!!!!

Fair week is complete!! Can't say how happy I am about that. We had a new experience, and showed the cutest dang pig!!! Just barely weighing in at 230, after much prayer, and lots of his favorite cake mix on top of his pig food, Porkie made the cut!!!!
It was fun, Shad did a good job showing him and selling him. He made 500, and was a little sad to see him go.
Shad and Dixon had a great run in the team roping on Tuesday night. A 6.3, ended up just barely getting them a check. They were excited, and it was lots of fun. KyLeigh Jo was in the queen contest, and just came up short of the title. She did so awesome, and I was so proud.
Dixon is back at high school rodeo this weekend, ended up 2ND in the calf roping with a 10.2 and first in the bull riding. I can't believe how time fly he will be a Jr this year!!!
I turned a year older last week, and when I ran the barrels on Wednesday, my little girl became a star at the microphone!!! It was dang cute, and made my day as she sang Happy Birthday to me. Of course she added the part that said I look like a monkey and I am one to. So lucky!!!!
Casy will have to go back to school this week, and the kids head back shortly after that. Summer has been the best time. Casy and I went to the mountain for my birthday, went horse riding, slept in,ate, played cards, and laughed. Good times, just living the dream, man am I lucky!!!

FALLON NEVADA-ONE TOUGH HOMBRE

Our Crazy Lives!!!

Ok, Ok, its been a month I know!!! Especially when Casy reminds me I am behind on the blog.
So here it is real fast. Fallon Nevada for SilverState Finals, Dixon had some great runs, and some heart stopping bull dogging crashing!!!! The steers were way old and huge and ran like ______!!! We ended up 9Th in the first round of the dogging, and dang near died in the second. Missing the short go by a hair. We ended up 16Th in the bull dogging. Bull riding he rode so good, just a little to short. We rode rank for 7.6 seconds, would have been 80 points but didn't shuffle our feet fast enough. The first bull we rode and slapped at 7.6 to be 80 points also. Tough luck, calf roping we were long and then our second calf came untied. Team roping we just flat got in a hurry. Fun week with some great friends. Had some fun times at the parades, getting every state oh so wet, with garden hoses. Plans for Gillette are in the works, here comes a great junior year.
KyLeigh made her self famous the same weekend in Rush Valley. She won two belt buckles, the pole bending and barrel racing. She was so excited she took first place, she just smiled and smiled. It was great, and then this last weekend she won second in the breakaway roping, with a 6.5 and won 32.00 big ones. She is growing and riding so good, she loves the outdoors and those horses!!!!
Shad has had a lucky spell also, he won the steer riding in Rush Valley, and he and his dad were just out of the money in the jr/sr team roping. They had a great run, Shad slicked em up right on the corner. He rode all three steers this last weekend, and was 77 on a steer that turned back both ways. He was excited, he had some good goat runs, break-away runs and is doing great as the rookie of the 9-12 group.
Casy and I are getting ready to go stay in the mountains a couple of days, we have been going and going. Crap it sucks to get old.
This quote I want to leave with. My good friend Stacey posted it on her blog and I believe it says it all!!!
Perhaps s the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting somes differences, weaknesses and short comings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle the situation like we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another weakness and being willing to forgive someone who hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other. Charity is the pure love of Christ!! Marv Ashton.
Let us remember that!!! What a great lesson, it will go on my mirror in the bathroom, I love it thanks Stacey!

happy thoughts

REALITY IS THE MIRROR OF YOUR THOUGHTS. CHOOSE WELL WHAT YOU PUT IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR!!!


I had the opportunity to spend sometime tonight at a 4-H horse show, judging. It made my heart smile!!!! It was a little county show in Salem. What a great time, the kids had so much fun, there smiles were contagious as well as those who have won and were prepared to win some more.
Tonight when I turned my score sheets in, there was the cutest boy in a Red Sox jersey waiting for a hot dog. Lucky for me, I got to visit with him. His name was Stratton, I asked him if he had hit a home run or double? No but you could see through his eyes that was a dream!!!
We talked and he told me he was going to get a goat and start tieing it!! He wasn't a wrestler or a basketball player, but going to be a calf roper and goat tyer. As I walked away to go to my car, glimpsing over my night, my heart was full of gratitude. For life and how enjoyable it can be if that's what we choose.
Happy thoughts attract Happy people in your life. So lucky to have some happy Thoughts and lots of happy friends!!!!!

U.H.S.R.A. state finals

Well its official, the HS rodeo finals are over. Dixon had a great week, falling short from our goal of going to nationals. He competed in four events through out the week, made two great calf runs, 5th in the 2nd go in the Team Roping, would have had the fastest run in the bull dogging at the state finals without the barrier we broke. The bull riding was tough we rode one bull for 65 points and bucked off two.
Making the short go in the bull riding and calf roping. Dixon had a fun week, with plenty of dancing, and laughing. He also ran for VP student office. He did fun. We will go to Fallon, NV for the Silver State Rodeo on the 4th of July. With a great chance to go win the ALL-Around and respective events.
Joe won the All-Around saddle and had a great week, it was fun to have them close and have their kids with ours. Nielsons were our neighbors and it was a great time as well. The Borens let Dixon use a calf horse of theirs and the boys spent a week in Vernal practicing before the finals.
To have such great friends is such a blessing, we are so greatful for everyone who helps us be successful. We would be lost with out you.,
Summer will be more practice, hauling hay, having fun, working hard and getting better each day.

mountain time

So to start off our summer of course we headed to a rodeo. The kids went to Heber to a UJRA rodeo, we had a blast. Kyleigh ran shortie and had some great times. Dixon won the bull riding, 2ND in the chute dogging and 6Th in the ribbon roping. Shad was 2ND in the barrels, 3rd in the break-away roping.
We had fun as a family, the Boron's kidnapped Shad and took him home to Vernal for a few days. They also kidnapped Dixon for a couple of days to rope and play. Its such a great time in our lives to have such wonderful friends. The boys have had a blast, roping, swimming, playing. I have a surprise when they get home its called the VACATION IS OVER - WORK WORK WORK !!!! Won't they love that,
KyLeigh and I have been riding colts like there is no tomorrow. We have hit the mountain trails. She and I have seen snakes, horny toads, which she wanted to put in her pocket and show her dad!!! Bull Elk, flowers, streams, grass, she is sure its what heaven looks like.
I have enjoyed a little time one on one with my girl. We went to the park and had a contest in the swings and on the monkey bars, it was a good time.
Life is to short and I can't believe we are to the state finals for Dixon's sophomore year, Shad will be a 5Th grader, and Ky a 2ND grader!!!!! End of year brought them lots of great memories, good grades, athletic accomplishments, and some self satisfaction for knowing they did their best!!!

Joseph Kimball Benefit

a little behind

A little behind, wow ok maybe a lot behind. Life has been crazy for us, I will just some up May, and hopefully get a head start on June!!!!!
The first weekend in May we were in Salina for the Benefit for Joseph Kimball. It was a smash, not to many people which made me a little sad. But it was a great day with some great roping, dancing, food, people. And the highlight was that Joseph's family came from Arizona and it was so nice, we hadn't seen them in a long time!!!
We raised about 5,000.00 for them, between the roping and the auction. So many great people helped. Thanks to all.
High School Rodeo finished up this month, and we are preparing for the state finals in a couple weeks. Dixon didn't have a great spring, so we are working on our weakness's, and strenghts.
I made a fast trip to Idaho Falls and then onto Billings Montana. I stopped to see my nephew play in a baseball game. And my sister and I caught up like we should have a long time ago. It was fun. She and i don't have to much in common, but it was like to friends who hadn't passed in a while. Ended up staying to late, showering at 1:30 am and driving like a wild banshee to Billings in the middle of the night.
Luckily the angels still like me, I fell sound a sleep for at least 5 minutes right outside of the park. Thanked them and kept driving. It was crazy. Once in Billings I got to sleep in paradise. Then temple parking lot for a couple of hours.
This day was so special, my friend Penny Jones went through for her endowments. She looked so great and it was a great day. The matrons at the temple were so good to her. It was tremendous, I stayed the night in Burlington Wyoming with Penny and her children. Some were just baptized into the church, so we had a great discussion about so many things!! Watch out heaven, here comes the Jones bunch.
Leaving the next morning I stopped in Lander to meet another friend, Megan and visit. After a couple of taco's from Taco Bell it was back to the black top.
I made it home in time to ride a couple of horses and make a little dinner.
We went to a horse show in Delta with Grandma and Grandpa and had a great day. Grandma showed Dolly in the Ellsworth Pope Class. She was gleaming like I hadn't seen for a long time. She looked marvellous, in her pink top with her matching saddle pad. All of us, won a little and lost a little.
To finish up the month we will go to a UJRA jr rodeo in Heber. Practice some more, maybe sleep in since summer is here!!! Make a plan for summer and have the best days of our entire lives!!!!
Happy is the house that shelters a friend. We are planning on having a few of those this summer!!!!
Lastly I am a Grandma!!!! Brigham Jeremy Davis was born last Tuesday and he is so handsome!!!! Marrissa did a great job bringing him into the world and will be a super mom!!! Casy and i can't say enough great things about this girl who spent a little time at our house, other than we are so proud of her and love her!!!

joe's 10 run!!!

My friend Lisa is a great mom and friend, while the boys are off rodeoing. She is home tending cows, fences, water. What ever needs done she is on it. She can even rope off the 4-wheeler now that's talent!!! Heres a video of Joe since you couldn't make it.I know Joe loves and appreciates you so much. So do I thanks for raising such a great, fun kid for Dixon to hang with. They sure make me laugh, it was fun. We ate overkill burritos and some stop and go, showered in sulfur water, set off the fire alarm, and the boys chased elephants and only missed their curfew by 10 minutes.

back to the practice pen

So we didn't have the weekend we had hoped for, so its back to the practice pen. We worked on tieing mostly and slowed things down. Dixon has been roping on a new paint mare of Grandpa Winn's and she is doing great. Ky and Shad rode and roped some. Shad was working on his trotting skills with his new mount Magic. She loves to go fast, so grandpa was showing Shad how to slow her down. We are so lucky to have a grandpa with so much knowledge. We love it when he comes to rope and help. Moving to Nephi we have lots of great opportunity's and practice time. We miss our friends out there, but we are so glad for Grandma and Grandpa Winn. Last night Grandma came down and rode with us to. I know Kyleigh really looks up to her and really loves to spend time with her. They were both rodeo stars.
Joe and Dixon had a blast this weekend, Joe made a nice calf run, and dixon made a great bull dogging run we just broke out. These boys I don't think will ever grow up. This is a quote I love and these boys live it out every day of the week!!
FRIENDSHIP IS NEVER ESTABLISHED AS AN UNDERSTOOD RELATION. IT IS A MIRACLE WHICH REQUIRES CONSTANT PROOFS. IT IS AN EXERCISE OF THE PUREST IMAGINATION AND THE RAREST FAITH.
They love each other and it shows, so thankful for good friends, u know those kind that love you even when you are silly, gagging in the shower, ask Joe and dixon about that. To much sulfur in the air!!!! ha ha

bull riding adventures!!!!

A little minute before we head north to the land of Logan and tremonton for a H's rodeo. Casy and Shad will stay here this weekend and finish grecco and freestyle state in Springville.
I just received these great pictures from Layne brown of some HS rodeo pictures. Dixon is such a talented cowboy, but this is where his passion lies. Shad's is a mixture of roping and wrestling. But my big cowboy he's got some chad and casy winn in him.
Being 6' 2" his mom thinks he has to work harder to stay balanced. But all in all he does great!!!
Well i hope our horses work good and we can have a great weekend, I'll be the number one video mom during the bull riding and help warm up horses if needed. I'll leave the bulls to Shane, Joe frost and dixon.
Kyleigh is coming with us and is in hopes Emma and Aron are there from Ogden.

joseph kimball

Joseph Kimball Benefit - May 2

I have just a minute before I am going on the air live with cable talk, on KMTI a radio station in Richfield. We are talking about the benefit in Salina on May 2, 2009 for my friend Joseph Kimball.
What an exciting event this will be, I can barely wait to see how it turns out an all of the fun we are going to have!!!!
When I decided to do a benefit I included some other friends of Joseph's, Matt Sherwood 2 time world champion Header, and K.C. Jones, 4 time world champ and Worlds Greatest Roper, BFI champion. Along with these world champions are many others who are coming to rope and have a great time!!!
In preparing we have been able to come up with a custom made saddle donated by Burns Saddlery, BlackHawk Arena use, so many auction items i can't even write them all. So many friends and family who are willing to help all day.
Just to sum it up, I really love the opportunity it brings to my family,, that we are able to work and play together.. Joseph has spent countless hours away from his family helping mine and so many others. If there is any better example of commitment, love, unselfishness, hard work, friend until the end, it would be my friend Joseph and his wonderful family.
When times are tough we need to rely on each other and work hard to help others be successful. Joseph is a little overwhelmed by the whole benefit. I told him it was just a huge party to celebrate that he made it through an overwhelming experience!!! So here's to you my friend, we love you and we are going to tear it up next week!!! off to the talk show and park city to help at the Burns Cowboy Shop.
Wendy

busy moments - EVERYDAY!!!!

Well it has been a while since i have had time to sit down. We have been busy with a roping school, company, hs rodeo practice and rodeos on the weekend.
Over spring break we held our annual K.C. Jones rope school along with Joseph Kimball. It was a huge success with private lessons for two days and a full day of beginners on Saturday.
Over the span of a couple weeks we had lots of company. Easter was a great time, K.C.'s family and the winn kids died easter eggs, roped the dummys, played, ate. It was ton's of fun.
K.C. and I spent plenty of days looking in horses mouths, checking teeth, and working hard. He asked me about 50 times if I wanted to buy the business. Needless to say I said heck No!!!! It's a tough job and so important.
Dixon and Casy went to Castledale and Price last weekend, to the hs rodeo. We ended up with a 7 in the doggn on saturday and 6th place, 3rd in both places in the bull riding and would have won the team roping with a 6 flat but broke out just barely. We will be in Logan and Tremonton this weekend. Shad is in Springville finishing wrestling, with state grecco and freestyle.
Amen to the end of the wrestling season!!!!! The fam has been roping and riding everyday enjoying the sunshine, we have waited so long for!!!
I will spend a few days inh Parkcity this week, then next week is the benefit for Joseph in Salina. It will be a blast, lots of roping, eating, dancing, can't beat that.
So in a nut shell, or you could just say hell on wheels thats us!!!~!

Spring hs rodeo back at ya

Last weekend we headed north to the high school rodeo in Farmington, Dixon, Ky and I. Shad and Casy headed south to a freestyle and grecco tournament.
This weekend for me was a lot harder than most. Dixon was only entered in the team roping, because he had been in some trouble. All I can say is if we were one eventers we would stay home!!!! All day kids and parents asked he and I why he wasn't entered. It was a great lesson for him because he thought no one would notice!!
We finished 12Th on Friday, Dixon and Dallin did a great job with the steer we ended up with. As soon as we left the chute he headed right and when dal roped him he locked his brakes on the corner. Luckily Dixon held position and snagged a leg.
Saturday we drew a great steer and wasted him. Dallin roped great Dixon threw the perfect heel loop for two and went to the wood to fast and Dall didn't finish pulling. So the combination we ended up with no feet and no time. Long Day!!
Fun ride with my boy and we enjoyed being in the company of good friends at the rodeo. Dixon and Joe were able to see each other and visit, which was well needed. Dixon misses him more than he will ever know. Thank goodness for phones, wrestling and rodeo!!!!
Shad had a great weekend, won all 3 grecco matches and all 4 freestyle matches.
We stayed with Brad and Karen Hodson, Kyleigh was in heaven since she got to sleep over at her best friends house and watch movies and play play play!
Back to practice this week, rope school, barrel clinic, teeth floating, and so much more.

lots of fun in tooele!

So we all know that a good part of why we haul down the road, are for those memories. Good heck to bad that dosent fill the gas tank, I just want to reflect on such a wonderful weekend in Tooele.
These pictures are the kids just being themselves and some of there very closest friends. I joined face book this week and I had forgotten about all of those child hood friends and memories.
What a god given gift it is to have friends. What I love about it is, if there the true blues like i have. You can loose track of them for 20 years, and magically they see you on facebook and it was just like yesterday!!!
Thanks for that, what a great life we have, and how lucky we are to share all of the good, bad, hard, fun, trying, crazy times with our friends!!!!
Heres to the next 60 years im sure they will be just as good as the last thirty five!!

FUN FRIENDS FUN FRIENDS!!!!!

Great week for the Winn bunch!

Last week was as busy as ever. I became Martha Stewart for a few days and re painted my front room and dining room, I'm still not finished but close. It looks OK, still some corners to finish. Casy and I celebrated our 17Th anniversary on Friday.
We ran north to a nice little restaurant in Payson, called Dalton's and had a great visit and dinner. Was a lot of fun, just to have some quiet time together.
Friday Shad and Casy, with KyLeigh went to Cedar City for the Bantam State Championship Wrestling tournament. Shad had a successful run and came home with a state championship, this was his 5Th. Kyleigh got to go swimming at the hotel and she had fun watching her brother and friends wrestle.
Friday night Dixon and I rode horses and then went for pizza and a movie. It was fun. Saturday morning came early and we headed for a bull dogging school in Lehi. Tom Lewis and his brother were the instructors, they are awesome.
The boys worked on getting off first and then to the ski dummy, then they jumped off horses on the dummies. Live steers came next and then lunch.
After lunch we went back to on the ground with live steers, that was a little wild!! After about 9 hours the boys had, had enough. They were so worn out.
Dixon and I ran up to Honeyville to get rope calves from Katy Bott. We visited with friends and then ran home.
Kyleigh's seventh birthday was Sunday. She was excited because they sang to her at primary and then her cousins were coming over. We had a fun time, Grandma made her a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, it was yummy.
I can't believe she is 7 already, theres no slowing down from here. It was a great week, this week we have the HS wrestling banquet, and our first spring rodeo, for high school.
Snow is in the for cast, oh so cold of a spring, I hope it warms up soon!!!

WINNERS!!!!!

We finished up last week with the 5Th and under state finals in Tooele. It was a fun weekend, we hauled calves and the boys rode with pulhams after a morning of roping. They were in hog heaven, rope morning and night, Shad wanted to move their with Bruce and Lori.
Friday morning the fifth and under got rolling. Shad drew a good steer and was the only rider to make the whistle. He rode good and smiled when he saw the paycheck. it's always nice to start off with a win, we had some great runs, placing first in the team roping with our great little partner Taylor Boren. Shad hammered the corner and pantie hosed it they were 10 flat. Break-away we switched horses to Magic, a big solid sorrel mare that can run. She has been a little tough to get a long with in the box, so Shad hasn't been using her. We have worked on the box, he jumped out and roped a 3.8 winning second, Goats we had a good run and ended up 4Th or 5Th. Barrels and Poles we had solid runs finishing in the top ten. Shad won the All-Around for the day and won a nice breast collar, he was thrilled.
KyLeigh had a good day as well, she ran clean runs in both the poles and the barrels and she and shorty did great in the goats. KyLeigh has really been working hard in the goats and practicing every day. She finished 13Th overall for the year in the goats, as a first grader. Way to go KyLeigh Jo.
Saturday was the finals, Shad started off with winning the steer riding and the year end steer riding. He is having fun riding steers. Goats we changed horses and ran a 13 on Magic, finishing 5Th for the year. Barrels, unfortunately we knocked down our first barrel and finished 5Th for the year. Break-away we had a good run of 4.2 and finished 2ND for the day and 3rd for the year. Team Roping, we drew a fast steer, missing both of our heal loops finishing 2ND for the year.
We finished 3rd in the All-Around Race and had a blast.
The kids had a blast swimming with all of their buddies at the pool. Shad and Taylor spent every lick en minute in the pool, when they weren't rodeoing!! Emma and Aaron Hodson stayed with us and went swimming to. Its sure fun to see kids work hard, and learn lessons in life.
Shad was more upset that he had let his friend down in the team roping, and not helping him get his all-around points, then anything else. I told Shad how important it is to keep working hard, and that I was glad he was worried about his friend more than himself.
"When we have the power of God with us, nothing is impossible."

Character

Dale Carnagie wrote this:
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. Words for the wise.
Patients:
Last night, Shad, KyLeigh Jo and I went to rope calves. I have been working on patients. They were in short running last night. Getting short with KyLeigh caused the usual tears, and a little pain. So by writing this down, I am so going to work on holding my tongue. Does it really need to be said? Make sure that I am so grateful that they want to ride and rope with their mom. To often we get caught up with ourselves, and last night that was definitely one of those moments.
So fortunate to have children to raise, the night ended better than it started and we had a great time. We had 7 horses to ride and a pen full of calves. I don't know anything that can be better than that!!!!! With two of the cutest kids on the planet, and the oldest out with the young men doing a little rock climbing. He came home with really sore for arms.
Ending the night Casy and I fixed the water heater. Bet u never knew we were plumbers, thanks to our friend who is a plumber. He broke his foot riding a colt so we were make shift plumbers last night and it worked out.
Remember to make this day a great one!!!!! And Danna thanks for the great quotes, especially this one from Dale Carnegie

st.george rodeo pictures

The Weekend

Well heres a quick catch up. Once again it was the stinky wrestling gym, and the rope pen. Casy and I split up this weekend, Dixon, Ky and I went to rope calves at the Cattoors. Casy and Dixon headed to Pleasant Grove for our first Greco Tournament of the season.
Shad did well at the greco tournament, he wrestled his best. Met some new opponents and needs to sharpen skills in the grecco department. Casy said he did very well, winning two and loosing two, all close matches.
Dixon and I saddled calf horses and team roping horses and headed for a night out doors. It was very nice to track calves in a bigger pen, so good for our horses. Troy and Dixon tied calves and then alternated roping. It was fun, Dixon did well and our young horses did fantastic. Hat's off to my big cowboy for being such a hand. I don't know to many boys who can make a calf horse and then go to beatem on it.
Kyleigh had fun riding and playing with Kassie. She loves her friend who is older but so cute with her.
Saturday we had a tournament in Nephi, Shad won first. The matches were not to challenging. Dixon had to ref, I know he loves that ha ha.
Sunday was a super good day, I teach the 11-12 girls in our ward. We talked about how the Book Of Mormon was put together in the beginning. And how many sacrifices were made by Martin Harris and Joseph Smith. It was a great discussion, I love to share my testimony with others and I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon. So glad I am able to read and ponder those great words..
Heres to a super great week!! Practice, Practice, Practice for 5th and under state finals in Tooele!!

Friends

KIDS ARE THE BEST THING

sliding into home again

Aha you thought we had joined the baseball team, nope that's not on our list we are just a bit to busy for one more thing. Once again on Wednesday night we have finished a great night of practicing, the boys rode some bulls and some mighty frisky bucking calves. Shad said they were juicy, juicy.
Then it was off to homework for Casy and Dixon. Shad and KyLeigh went to their favorite hang out spot. The Shepherds land of the ponies, its better than BMW bike racing just costs more. They have an adventure each time they go.
The Fackrells and i met up to Spanish fork to have the legend Dr.Jeff Monroe work on some calf horses. Inject a little b vitamin and lift those tight muscles to work a little better and faster. he is amazing at what he does.
Shortly after returning home we saddled team roping horses and it was off to the barn. Dallin and his dad Kevin came down for practice. Man are we lucky to have such great partners who like to practice. I rode my favorite mount Magic, cooked dinner,read stories, listen to little children pray(my favorite) fed, fixed a horse corral in the dark, checked in with a text with my favorite park city girl, Danna. Close up this day by prayer, a little scripture study, meditation and oh ya WATCH THE BACK OF MY EYELIDS!!!!! I LOVE THAT PART

Friends Great to Have them

So today was windy, and cold. So I opted to run inside at the gym, and find a little fake sun shine. Nothing better than going to Hawaii, for 17 minutes and coming out a little browner than you went in.
Life is so great, the little kids and I hauled calves to the barn, with some horses and a goat. Practice was great, Shad roped good. Magic a mare that has been a little box crazy worked great for both Shad and I. We just took things slow and had some fun.
Elisa and Alexa were there riding so Ky and I worked our horses through the poles. It's nice to have a friend show up to give advice, especially when your six year old knows more about pole bending than you!!! On to goats and we finished up. Fun night, Casy and Dixon went to the buck outs in Spanish Fork, Dixon got on two buckers and made the whistle. He had a great time.
The past couple of day's we have been able to reflect a bit on those who are so close. We have been so fortunate to have some of the greatest kids in our home. From hosting rodeo's to rope schools, to just giving refuge.
Two tall 6 foot girls we chased around all of high school. From basketball games to hauling a calf horse when they didn't have one. Casy had been taking them to a bunch of high school rodeos when a friend asked them how are you Winn's? They just replied oh we just are and that's kinda our dad. So another friend came up to Casy and said I didn't know you were married before Wendy, he laughed and still kept hauling the dazzling duo up and down the high school rodeo trail.
Cara and Christy have grown up since then. Cara is married and has been baptized a member of the church. Christy has a wonderful little girl who just turned one the other day, and has a great job. We first got to know them showing horses in 4-h.
It simply amazes me the mom they have. She is a hero of mine, working on her and her fathers ranch. From haying to calving, yoga to painting, teaching 4-h watching her grand kids grow. Carol we marvel at all you have done and all you do. Cara and Christy were so blessed to have a mother who always put you first, and probably still does. So nice to have someone to look up to.

Come what may and Love it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVNYhcYEwIE

MARRISSA WEDDING TODAY

THIS IS THE GREAT CONVERSATION IN OUR LIFE; TO RECOGNIZE AND BELIEVE THAT THE MANY UNEXPECTED EVENTS ARE NOT JUST DISTURBING INTERRUPTIONS OF OUR PROJECTS, BUT THE WAY IN WHICH GOD MOLDS OUR HEARTS AND PREPARES US. HENRI NOUWEN

MARRISA IS A MIRACLE OF GOD, WHAT A GREAT TIME CASY AND I HAVE HAD, HAVING HER AND JEREMY BECOMING PART OF OUR FAMILY. LIFE'S JOURNEYS ALWAYS BRING NEW EXCITEMENT AND SOME JOY,TRIALS, TEARS AND LOVE.
CASY AND I HAVE EXPANDED IN THE HEART DEPARTMENT. MARISSA HAS TAUGHT US MUCH ABOUT LOVE, SHE LIVED WITH US HER SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS. THOSE 7 MONTHS MOLDED OUR FAMILY TO BE MORE UNIFIED. I'M EXCITED TO CALL HER ONE OF OUR CHILDREN AND SO GRATEFUL WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE HER IN OUR HOME.
JEREMY IS AN ANGEL OF A HUSBAND FOR HER, HE IS EXACTLY WHAT WE PRAYED FOR. SO WHEN YOU DON'T THINK GOD LISTENS, STOP AND BE STILL. HE IS EVERYWHERE, OUR THOUGHTS, OUR PLEADINGS, OUR EYES, OUR EARS.
THEY ARE SOON TO BE PARENTS AND US SOON TO BE GRANDPARENTS, WE ARE SO EXCITED. WE LOVE THEM, I SHOULD BE KICKED FOR NOT HAVING THIS PICTURE ON THE WEB SOONER.

friends from the past words

The home is the first and most effective place for children to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self control; the value of education, honest work, and the purpose of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.
The slide show below are some of the greatest friends we ever had, and have had. What a great teaching lesson these horses have been. Buffy died while taking Dixon to the top of Mt. Nebo, was his favorite, boy was she fast, and good looking, liked to buck. Maybe Grandma can remember that's why he got her.
Good old Candy, I don't know how many times this mare brought us to the pay window. She taught many children to ride, she taught my children the diligence of staying with it, and to work hard. This was the first horse I actually taught to run the barrels, poles, team rope. I never thought she would amount to anything, never did Casy.
Tonto, words can't say what a great horse this was, from college rodeo, to shad and dixon learning to rope calves and heel.
Buck still going strong, we love him Kyleigh is learning to ride bareback on him. She can lope, trot and smile all at the same time. Good times for us to reflect back on, thanks to heavenly father for the opportunities.

friends from the past

7 Interesting facts about me

My sister tagged me this morning so here are 7 things you may not know about me.

1. I was 5' 5" i was a Jr in high school, and weighed 160 pounds. I grew 7 inches to 6'0" when i was a Jr and played center and post on the BB team.

2. I can run 7 miles in 52 minutes, i am working on 10 miles by the end of the month

3. I have been married longer in the temple than not

4. I won the County Fair steer riding when I was 8, no wonder my boys are crazy bull riders.

5. Casy is 7 1/2 years older than I am, Craddle robber.

6. I wanted to be a boy the entire time I grew up until I was married!

7. Only 1 year and I could graduate from college with a business degree.

8. I can chute dog steers with the best of them and still ride a steer with my boys!!

I tag Shawna, Teresa, Marrissa, Danna, Jade, Lisa

spring brings lots of action at the winns

I always know when March rolls around, I better get off my sleepy little winter butt and get busy. This year April will start with high school rodeo and also our annual K.C.Jones rope school it will be held April 9,10,11 in Nephi. This will be our 7Th rope school with the Worlds Greatest Roper.
K.C. does a great job with horses and kids. We also have Joseph Kimball come with K.C. The duo are great, Joseph has hauled alot with K.C. and they really help one another out. In April we will have two days of private instruction, Thursday, Friday and then Saturday we will have a break-away school for beginners and intermediates. Private lessons will be $150.00 per hour, you can block out as many hours as you want, bring as many horses as you want, and bring up to 3 people. The breakaway on Saturday will be $200.00.
It has been such a privilege to have these men in our home. They are both return missionaries and always strive to do their best. Both of them always loose themselves in the service of others. Our children have grown to love them, and we love to have them in our home.
Heaven I'm sure is smiling when K.C. and Joseph show up. We look forward to the school. May 2 will bring a benefit for Joseph. It will be held in Salina you can find the flyer on Allhorseutah.com.
The benefit is coming together so good, I am so excited. Danna Shaw from Burns Saddelry has donated a custom made saddle and Double Dollar, Pulhams have donated cattle, The Black Hawk has given the facility. So many are pitching in to make a great day. Man I am so blessed to be in the presence of angels. Lucky am I!!!

bench sitter day 3

In the essesence of a warm, smelly, room of wrestlers I was glad to be the bench sitter in the end. Shad went to Heber City on Friday to a freestyle tournament. Once again I glanced through an empty gym, waiting for a championship match.
The night started off with a blast of quick finish, pinning his apponent in the first round. Second match of the night we endured to the end, finishing the 3rd round tied, we flipped for sudden death. Shad won the flip and was ablt to hold onto his opponents leg. If the other wrestler escaped or would have thrown us he would of won. Determination from the blonde monster wins again, Shad's strenghth and determination helped him lift the other 75lb wrestler up and over to the matt. I almost passed out, talk about anticipation its worse than bull riding!!!
Round number 3 brought a little more anticipation. i will be so patient when the season is over!!! Shad won the first round, quick and smooth 5 - 1. To bad the opponent got the best of our will power. We lost some control and our temper, and our air. Losing by 2 in the last round.
Round 4 was a great match against Wasatch, also round 5 was a Wasatch wrestler who knew how to use sound effects. Both of these boys were great wrestlers and we won in the end with straight determination and will!!!! Sound great to come from behind and kick some butt!!!!
Round 5 finished with a win, moving us to the champion round, once again with fellow team mate, Micheal of champions. What a great wrestling match this was. We wrestled not to confident but took him two rounds, he won in the final decision by points. Shad comes out each time with something new and passionate about how to win the next one. Micheal is really fast and short, so we have to change some things about how we wrestle him. Surely we will see him this weekend again in the championship round!! Great job Shad Freestyle finish #1 with a 2nd place medal and a goal to win 1st.

The end of February

It's hard to believe that this month is over, the valentines, all the winn birthdays. We have had such a good time. Dixon is relieved that wrestling is over, only two days of conditioning with his dad instead of intense 5 hrs after school!! Shad had a little break and then into Freestyle. Kyleigh is just enjoying that sometimes the boys are home and she can have me all to her self!!!
Casy is another year older, although he looks 29 who would guess 40???? something. I promised not to tell his real age.
Our friend Joseph is getting better and through the miracle of fasting and prayer we have seen healing power.
The blog has put me in contact with some of my greatest friends whom i have not seen for ever!!!! Its been refreshing to see the pictures and listen to such fun words. And to all of those friends who live close it is lots of fun to see your families blogs and see the growth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naqX9iYE0V0

WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS

WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS, FOR THEY BECOME WORDS. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS, FOR THEY BECOME ACTIONS. UNDERSTAND YOUR ACTIONS, FOR THEY BECOME HABITS. STUDY YOUR HABITS, FOR THEY WILL BECOME YOUR CHARACTER. DEVELOP YOUR CHARACTER, FOR IT BECOMES YOUR DESTINY!

Today Matters

Be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandi

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THE BEST OF MONDAY!

Dixon and I went to stake standards night last night.WOW!!!! It was so good, they had a guest speaker Dianne Hocher, what an outstanding time we had.
She spoke about living like you are a believer, in thought in your standards, the way you dress, live,talk, everything. She was funny, charismatic, and had so much energy in her voice. Dianne spoke about some of the stories in the scriptures and how they relate to us in our lives.
Dianne encouraged us to write down 12 things that we loved about our significant other, or future other for the kids.
Emulating after this list of your spouse, soon you will also want to live this way and your thoughts will change after you redirect some items in your life.
So heres to Casy Winn and his top 12, there might be a top 20 for him but i will narrow the list down.
1. Unconditional love of others
2. Forgiveness of others
3. Non-judgmental
4. Smart, likes education
5. Great Father
6. Excited about life
7. Hard Worker
8. Thoughtful
9. Always give 110%
10.Devoted Friend
11. Unselfish
12. Wants to see the best in everyone

As i read this list and hopefully i also will be able to emulate this list and become like this great husband,coach,father,friend, we all know!!!

The essence of winning

The 21st finished strong for the Winn bunch. Looking around a rather empty gym in Coalville Saturday afternoon, excitement was in the air. Only a few matches were left to determine the Utah Folk style Championships. The day started early, Shad was wrestling the Intermediate class 70 pounds. Shad's day started with Tremonton, a three round match with a pin in our favor. The next two matches were good, an 18 second pin, and a second round pin.
An opponent from North Summit was the next hook up. Previously Tanner had beat Shad earlier in the year. Shad came out with win and pin on his mind. In the first round, Tanner was tapping out, Shad had him in the scissors, on his back with arms posted. The ref actually stopped the match because the opponent was crying so much. His coach sent him back on the mat. To much dismay N.Summit lost in the end by 3. Shad worked his tail off, it was a great match.
Payson was next, this was a kid we had beat a year ago at the bee-hive brawl. Shad started out strong, and in the second round, Payson had us tapping out. We hyperventilated and lost our air. The third round was like a tornado of hell, wind and fire. Shad shot and took him down, then ran the legs to a scissor position, time ran out and we won by one point, still with tears in our eyes.
We now were in the championship round with an opponent we lost to at freestyle state last year. He also wrestles for the champions club in springville. Shad and Micheal are friends, but it was all business on the mat. They locked up, Shad sprung a fast shot and ended up short. Micheal caught us in a head lock, we bridged but couldn't get away.
At the end of the day it was great to look at the video and have Shad analyze how to win against Micheal the next trip. Casy and I are so proud of Shad he wrestled with great enthusiasm, and skill. He only lost his cool once, we are working on that, he has to much Wendy Winn in him. Shad finished second out of 14 boys yesterday, most definitely an improvement from the year before. He is such a hard worker and so goal motivated. It's his goal to be a 4 time state champion in high school which only 18 boys in the state of Utah hold.
Discipline is hard for most, but determination, guts, skill and a sense of finishing will prevail in the end. Here's to Shads goals and dreams, I'm ready for those long bench sitter days to see someone passionate succeed!!!!

values - what are yours?

A book I finished recently has some great ideas about values, I would like to share those today.
Because your core values are the deeply held beliefs that authentically describe your soul, they become a companion to you through-out your life. That can be very reassuring. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln said, "When I lay down the reins of this administration, I want to have one friend left, and that friend is inside myself.
I learned this lesson early in life, about 15 I was short, chubby didn't have any friends and didn't really enjoy life. For a while life didn't ease up either, I was constantly looking for assurance and approval from others. Living in a remote town, running to a hiding spot next to a river gave me some time to think. All I could think about was how bad I had it.
Luckily the Wendy Winn living in those size 13 shoes still has a place to run to. Life is about reaching deep inside and discovering who you really are. What is it that I stand for. Do my values come through every time I make a commitment? This is so important, that when you give your word you follow through. And your very best friend, who is it - well its you!! How exciting is that. I'm in love with me, that its exciting to be living in these day's, raising a family, working towards goals and dreams.
By choosing to embrace and practice good values every day, you choose the higher course of life. And your life goes in a direction that you will always feel good about. You may not always get what you desire, but you will always be the person you desire to be.
Heres to a great weekend of wrestling, roping and some family time!!!!

Life the Creation greater than all!!!

We had a great day for Wednesday. When the kids came home from school, they noticed 2P a goat had finally had a baby. All excited Shad ran out to see it, soon after he returned to announce she had twins, but one didn't make it.
Dixon and I went out to catch horses and hook on the trailer, I decided to go take the dead goat out of the pen. Much to my suprise it was breathing!!!! The kids and I dried it off with a towl and got it to nurse the mom a little. Fragile and cold we were afraid it wouldn't make it.
Dixon and Shad ran and got a heat lamp, then we seperated the other preganant goat from 2P. Each one of us played a part in the life of something else. My kids love new life in any form. Dixon has always had a place for little creatures, since he was little.
Casy and Dixon went out before bed and helped it nurse some more. This morning the kids ran out to see how it was. Shad felt the mouth and sure enough it had nursed by itself, he could feel the warmth. KyLeigh fed the momma some hay, and then we headed for school.
Theres nothing better in life than caring for something else, humans, animals, yourself. A great reward lies in the end. The satisfaction of feeling the need to help out and serve something or someone else.
These babies are the first of many so heres to a great goat season at the Winns place.

This is a great way to start hump day, this is a favorite from Margorie Pay Hinckley and has become a way to live for me!!

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertyloy coiffed, and with long perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." -- Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Life is so full of blessings. Even in its most busy tense, we must stop and appreciate all that is around us. The wonders of the snow the coolness of the air, the scent of fresh flowers, the redness of a childs cheeks. Don't ever live to fast to forget the most important things in life, to LIVE!!!!

ACHIEVING OUR DREAMS

Just ran through the door after a crazy week of new adventure!!! Starting Sunday we enjoyed church, family friends, fun!! Monday started with running my 6 then off to Park City. No not for a shopping adventure but a three day blitz on sale sale sale. I have to admit I was intimidated my first day at the Ritz, Burns Cowboy Shop on historic main. Feeling like a fish out of water, not remembering all the leathers, hats, prices, I was lucky to have such a great teacher. Thanks to Danna. We had a great three days, and by the end I felt awesome about the expierence.
Thursday was hurry and clean up, load the horse trailer, head to the 2A state wrestling finals to watch the best 171 pounder I know!! Dixon worked hard but came up a little short, finishing on Thursday with two losses.
Dixon had a great season as a sophmore and I am so proud he was dedicated and finished with a good attitude. He's ready for spring and calves to rope and bulls to buck!!!
Friday morning we loaded horses and kids and headed to St.George for a Utah 5th and under rodeo. The roads were horrible, black ice, fog, crazy drivers. By Fillmore I wanted to throw up. We prayed and drove extra careful, and made it safe.
Shad had a wonderful weekend. He bucked off his steer, he drew rank and started him tuff. The steer kicked Shad's feet and he didn't post them back fast enough! Our new mount in the goat tying ducked in front of us and we ended a little longer than we wanted. Team Roping finished with firsts both days, with Taylor Boren. Steer riding was much better on Saturday and we went to busting a move. shad won the steer riding. Overall we were Reserve All-around on Friday, and thrid in the all-around on Saturday.
KyLeigh Jo kicked some fast times out for her on Saturday in the goat tying. She had a goat that was as big as she was, she flanked and tied with much accuracy. i was very proud of her she rode her big brothers saddle in the barrel racing and did great.
Its back to the grind tommarow, headed to Park City to finish up Presidents Day with the Burns Bunch. Sell Sell Sell!!!!

Today Matters

Don't ask God for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back.

It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows int eh end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
- Theodore Roosevelt


Never never never give up on your goals and dreams, perseverance is the key, have a great Thursday!

Bake bread and rope calves!

Last week was a little crazy at our house. The Jr.High wrestling team was headed to state finals in Richfield, with the number one coach Casy Winn. K.C. Jones 4 time world champion was stopping in Nephi to shoe some good horses and float some teeth. The kids practiced every night but wrestling nights with the horses and cattle. And we made it to church to teach lessons and back to the start of a week.
We love those times that we get to work hard and play hard. Wednesday night K.C. Jones came into town to shoe some horses while Joseph is recovering. Luckily the boys were still roping at 9:30 when he came through. Dixon and his partner Dallin picked his brains about roping the dummy and tieing calves. K.C. had a long day of floating in Ogden and was ready for dinner and bed, but still helped the kids with their goals and dreams.
Of course when he called he asked whats for dinner. Luckily I had started a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, apple pie and some monkey bread. The monkey bread takes a while, so just to let you know you can be betty homemaker and calf roping mom at the same time I accomplished just that. I started by making dough before i went to get Kyleigh from school, while it was rising I went and picked up all the rope calves to haul to the barn. After dropping the calves I picked up Shad from practice went to the house, cut out the monkey bread to raise again. This time we gathered rope horses and saddled then headed to the barn. Dixon called while Shad and I were roping the sled, and I asked him to put in the bread. After about 30 minutes I realized I wasn't going to escape the roping dummy. I called in recruites to take the bread out of the oven. Grandma Winn came to the rescue, I told her if it was burned to throw it out and if it looked good we would eat it.
When we got home at 10:25 there was dinner all ready. K.C. laughed and thought it was pretty dang good we could have something good to eat and still rope calves. Everything usually works out if you try hard enough. The boys got some great practice in with their favorite world champ, and he got dinner after a long day.

Hump Day

Back to the pallet of words on the blog, you know I might actually be enjoying this!!! We had a busy Tuesday, with the kids off to school, the normal five mile treck around the valley, this time with a new exercise buddy, Sandy. Then off to the arena to practice with Shad and KyLeigh. We started off with hot cocoa runs in the goats trying to beat their own times. Successfully we finished up after 5 or 6 runs, then on to the roping sled.
The roping sled is a great tool when its super cold and mom dosent want to haul cattle. Kyleigh practiced poles while Shad and i roped the calf sled. It went well we finished up with some slow work in the barrels, foot races to stay warm. Shad is smart when he is tired of hearing his sister say shes cold, theres one way to get warm get your blood pumping.
We were headed back to the house, loading horses. I love utah winter, by the time we had come out to the trailer, my door had frozen so I couldnt close it. It was a fun treck home with the back door wide open. Luckily I have full bar dividers so no one could jump out exept the goat!!! Talk about looking like Hillbillys!!!
Life is looking good, just about to get some cocoa after feeding, when my 6' 2" sticks his head out the door. "Oh are we roping" Of course I pipe up heck no we just got done.
In just a couple of minutes here he comes fully dressed, to catch horses. Needless to say my cocoa got put on hold for a couple of hours. It is exciting to me to see my kids desire to be better each day. They work hard at their goals and dreams.
After finishing up with a Rodeo Moms meeting and a few laughs with my friends. It was the usual late night dinner, yellow death with hot dogs and showers lated. So we filled up our tummys, cleaned the dirt off and hit the hay. Just another adventure with the wild winn bunch!

Monday's Madness

I love Monday its the start of something great. Once again I spent the weekend bench sitting. It was Nationals in Richfield for Shad. I decided to drive down on Saturday to watch the action.
Shad is so determined in what ever he does, its fun to watch him win and hard to watch him loose. Saturday he started with a tough match from Spanish Fork. The first round we were down 7 to 2. Ready for a comeback, Shad fired in the 2ND round and I am pretty sure the SF wrestler didn't know what was coming. An explosion of one mad 4Th grader. Shad ran the legs and penetrated to a 1/2 nelson deep. That is one of his favorite moves, and tough to get out of.
Shad Nevada, there were lots of turn around but with tons of time on the bottom. We finished the match down by three and lost. Troubling to Shad it takes him some time to recover. His goal in each match is to pin his opponent. He worked hard. The next three matches were tough but we were triumphant, pinning two and winning by points on the third.
It was the last match against a Wayne opponent, really smart wrestler and a tough kid. Shad worked hard and had a hard time staying on top holding the opponent. After three rounds we finished behind 7 to 2. Shad was extremely upset and had a tough time pulling through with good thoughts.
We are working on seeing the glass half full and picking those things we do good and not just that we didn't win. This is tough for both my boys they work hard to win. I think as a mom we are getting better about seeing the glass half full.
Dixon will wrestle twice this week, a duel in north sevier and a tournament in North Sanpete on the weekend.
Words from the bench would be great job shad with a 4Th place finish!!! Good luck to Dixon to a successful weekend!

Today Matters

The view from here is breathtaking, there is a light mist of rain and the haze is hanging over majestic Mt. Nebo. Towering above us all at almost 12,0000 feet.
As I fed this morning the horses were wet, but warm. Its a little odd to see rain in Utah on a January morning. It was refreshing to feel the cool drops on my face as I fed.
Today Matters is a book I'm reading, it is so beneficial. It talks about just what the title is. Today matters, its appealing and I believe that those words are true. Each day you must decide what will matter in your life. Relationships, family, healthy living, financial freedoms. These are only a few of the topics i have read thus far.
Running yesterday I pondered the thought of how today would matter. My goal each day is to go the extra mile. My health is going to benefit as I run each day, and eat healthy. Eliminating sugars, pop, anything harmful to my body. Relationships are going to blossom and become a wealth of love to my soul. As i continue to only think positive about others and think of the good their life will bring to mine. My family is getting better each day, we are working on developing long life relationships. Unconditional love, forgiveness, being patient and tolerant of one another. Financial freedoms is a real weak spot for me. Casy and I are designing a plan that will help us achieve those goals.
The book is full of great tips and quotes. I leave you with a quote that is a favorite of mine: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain.
Each day find joy in something, just like the presence of the mountain, in the mist of rain.

Tried and True

Life is a gift, today I want to share a story of a good friend. Joseph Kimball is recovering today in St.Josephs hospital in Arizona. He had open heart surgery on Tuesday the 12Th, ten hours later they said it was complicated but done.
I have known Joseph for about 5 years, we are fortunate enough that he comes to our home every 6 to 8 weeks to shoe some horses and float teeth. Joseph is one of a kind and each year at a rope school we host he comes to help. Joseph has lived a life of service and dedication to many. Each time he comes he has new insight about shoeing and life.
So much he has taught me about the gift of life and how we should grasp it each day. As I spoke with him yesterday he was alert, but exhausted just by a few words he would say. He could hold his head up but only briefly. We talked about him recovering and it would be a long road, but the end would be worth it. When he went in for surgery his heart was only pumping 14% of his blood, in my eyes he was close to death. Joseph is of great worth to so many, I hope for him to have a safe and speedy recovery and be able to take care of his family.
As we go through life we must remember to grasp each day and benefit from all the blessings of others. We need to have eyes to see and ears to hear those silent pleadings, yes a soul filled with compassion, that we might communicate not only eye to eye or voice to ear but, in the majestic style of the savior, heart to heart.(Thomas S. Monson)
This is a favorite scripture " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.(John 13:35)
Joseph has taught my family this lesson to love and listen. Good luck Joseph I hope you heal quickly.

Monday nights are always fun. Tonight we got together with some friends at the roping barn. The bucking chutes have moved in for the winter - so of course we had to try them out. The Cattoors brought some buckers and a few calf riders, steer riders, and a bull rider.
The majority of us stand around and laugh and catch up. The first buckers were the slow milk cow kind. The little boys did great, gritting their teeth, sticking their chests out!! All of them got on at least 3 or 4.
One of my favorite riders is Rhett Nielson, he is pretty talented. Tonight he climbed on a snarly steer. It climbed straight to the sky as it left the chute. Jumped and then kicked hard over its ears. Rhett was making a ride, then he lost a foot, forgot to open his hand and we all know what happens next. He got squished by the big steer. The little meat he had on his legs was now road rash, ouch!!
He still gets the vote for the best ride of the night.
Last but not least Dixon was sure he needed to get on a couple of little buckers. He did a great job, and was smiling the whole entire time.
We rounded out the night with hot cocoa from 7-11 and team roping. The kids had a great time. Life is so good to us, a little cold outside but you can always warm up with family and friends!!!!

New Meaning of Bench Sitter

One of my acclaimed titles to fame would be bench sitter!! Believe me I have had plenty of not wanting to sit the basketball bench. Currently I am the A #1 wrestling mom bench sitter. Just pulled in from two days of it, should feel refreshed I almost feel 65.
Luckily I am able to do a little wrestling on the bench when my boys are on the mat. Both Shad and Dixon have proclaimed they here nothing with their ear muffs on so I stopped yelling long ago. Wrestling with your neighbor trying to get out of those close ones and counting to three when your nearly all over your neighbors lap! Wow I think this is better than running every morning. Some one could make money by putting it into wrestling arobics "Mom's on the Bench".
Dixon is my sophmore and has wrestled most of the season as the varsity 160 pounder. Shad is my 4th grader, and has been the 70 pound varsity on the jr.high team. And then we have the 189 pound coach, Casy who is the head jr high coach.
This weekend Dixon was at a JV tournamnet in Gunnison. The Chevy pushed it to the max getting there, Dixon forgot his size 11 shoes. Imagine know other sophmore has size 11's. After ariving we situated ourselves on those famous benches.
Unfortunetly we wrapped up in a head throw our first match, but then came back like a mad man and kicked the crap out of the next two. Pinning both opponents, and having one buy. Dixon has much talent wrestling, he is really tall and has extra long arms. So any small mistake and the short fast guys step in on him.
Melodrama was brought on after the first match. The regular I hate wrestling and it sucks. of course I agree it does suck to loose, I am not a great looser. We talked about seeing the cup half full instead of half empty. looking for the good in the losses and well as the win's. This is a hard lesson to teach, that life is full of difficult choices and moves just like wrestling. Dixon talents really shine when he decides to see the cup half full.
Saturday he finished up 4th overall out of ten teams. Wich is great for a sophmore. He met three or four seniors who were well accomplished wrestlers, he did his best and now we have to move on.
Shad wrestled in South Summit on Saturday morning. Early to the truck and just getting back in tonight. A full day of bench sitting. Shad's first match was a Champions Club from the north. There pistols are always loaded. Shad wrestled his little heart out, but came up short loosing 5 to 0 or 2 I cant remember.(Bad bench mom - bench sitter not score keeper - not multi tasker) He was so dissapointed in the end, Im a looser, no good. Wow sounds like what i heard yesterday.
When Shad came back to sit with me, I asked him if he had done his best. At first he said no and then agreed he had given it his all. We talked about seeing the cup half full. Working on pulling the good things from the match and eliminating the bad. I have got to invest in a good camera because when they loose no amount of bench sitting opinion matters. There sure they just got their faces wiped all over the matt. Shad ended up two and two today. The wins were good and the losses tough.
Driving home i searched the clear blue sky for some answers on questions about being the best supporter. Life brings so many opportunities, to just be greatful we get to wrestle should be enough.. The fact that were talented enough and gifted enough to lace up our shoes for practice and matches every day is awesome. Winning is just the bread on the butter, loosing is to build our confidence and help us search deeper into who we really are and what matters most.

the best of the best friday

Today I dedicate the best of best Friday's for the better half of my life. So you might be trying to guess what is it? Is it payday, you know the day you get to eat out at your favorite place because you have a little extra of the green stuff? Could it be your day to not do laundry, sleep in, no dishes, serenity? Well your close but this day I dedicate to my husband, most of have one, want one, are lost with out one, but I can't live with out one!
Marriage has brought us to almost 17 years, of rocks, hills, large stumbling blocks, but mainly strenghth in one another. Casy is almost 8 years older than me and was a well acomplished bull rider with an education when he stumbled onto a young, six foot blonde, with some spunk. We were soon married and onto a teaching carreer in California.
So many times in our marriage I have mistaken him for his strenghth, and his soul. Love unfained he has shown me time after time. i am strong when I am on his shoulders, he has raised me up to be more than I could ever be.
Fasinated with rodeo and the horse world my whole young life, I dreamt of marriaging a cowboy. That Casy is and a dang good one to boot. Accomplished in roping both ends, working colts, you name it he can do it. An instructor to our children, and many others.
Mainly me, he started a little harsh at first with our horse carreer. For you see when we first met I was preety full of myself. Oh maybe I still am - ha!!! He invited me to go ride with him, I was thrilled. My saddle was on the back porch, I gladdly agreed. We went to the barn where he kept his horses. He sent me to get a little black ride. Coming back with a huge smile and a new friend, he said saddle up. Finished after a couple of minutes I asked if I could help him catch some more colts. He sent me with some halters on a mission, little did I know he was on a mission as well.
As I rounded the corner I saw my saddle perched on the ground. He asked me what stable i had signed up under and who had given me lessons on saddeling. A little ticked off, there was smoke coming out my ears, and probably my nose as well! Things started a little rough that day, but it was the beginning of a dream.
The best of best Friday is dedicated to him for all those times of resaddeling, picking me up after I have made a dust angel in the dirt after being bucked off. The best of best Friday is to Casy for picking me when I have been afraid, here he comes with the wide load of shoulders to carry my burdens. So a challenge to any one who might read this, love your man, kiss him, hold him, let him know he's important to you!!! Never miss an opportunity to learn from them, but also saddle their horse once in a while, run in their shoes. You will find strenghth in their steps. Wendy

Well here it is 2009, I am diving into something I thought I would never come close to-Blogging???? Ok now im quite sure I have fallen into the pit and can get out.
I will start today by saying my life is on an upbeat swing. Changing careers coming into 2009 was a breath of fresh air. Working a job for the past three years here in Nephi has given me ton's of insight about falling into deep tracks. What I mean by that is I kept trying to think of a way out - looking for fresh new ways to live and be able to help support my family.
Also being able to stay balanced with all my other tasks of living and not overwhelming myself. At the first of December I went to work at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with Burns Saddelry. This has been a wonderful expierence for me for the past three years. Upon returning from the finals I was fired.
Funny thing is I wasn't as devistated as I thought I would be. I took a good look at those things I had accomplished at GreenLine Equipment and in what ways I had left a positive impact. The list was long and lead me to believe that my efforts were well worth my many hours that I had put in. My friends and store manager were a devestated probably more that i was. That was the hard part, knowing that the store manager really puts all he has into his job.
As 2009 has started I have been exasperated by my life and my families life. Spent the first two weeks I was home cooking for my family, riding some great horses, and exercising. Things I had put a timer on each day, because I had spent the majority of the day at work, with little time left for my family and horses and me! What a shame, to put work first and children second. A friend once told me the only way to spoil a child is to put him on the shelf. Oh how true!! I have enjoyed doing homework, tying goats with my 6 year old, roping calves with the boys and just being home.
At a conclusion of my first posting on the web, my life is rich, full of blessings that each new day brings. Health, a bright mind, tons of supporting friends, and a new carreer for Burns Saddlery, I can't wait each day to post new titles to life each day a memorie for eternity.