Home for the Holidays!!

Hey guys, we are home from Vegas and it's been soo nice...even if my house looks like a disaster zone. We are pretty much buried to our necks in laundry!! And with Chirstmas just around the corner I've been busy finishing up my shopping and wrapping presents so the house is definitly getting the short end of the stick. We had our first Christmas of the season Saturday with the Nunn's. It was in OKC at Connie's and was a blast as always. The kids especially had a great time, as Santa made an apperance and we got to go Snow tubing at Bricktown. We thought we might have been in a bind when we waited in line for 30 minutes and got to the top and found out that Houston had to go down by himself in his own tube. He was a champ though and decided he'd try it out. His face was so funny coming down, he looked scared to death and mad at us for making him do it but when he got to the bottom he screamed "Let's do it again!!" So off we went to do it again...and again haha. After that we went and had supper with my parents and so Houston could spend a little time with "his" puppies. Our male aussie and my parents female had puppies about 4 weeks ago and Houston missed them pretty bad while we were in Vegas. He drug them out as soon as we got there and showed them a little TLC. He's named 3 of the 5, Blackie, Pecos and Wrinkles. Ah so fun. Anyway tomorrow starts Christmas week and it will be pretty busy for us. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas from Hunter, Houston and I. Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season.. :) Love yall

Hello SouthPoint..

Hey everyone...We finally got to go to the Buckle Ceremony last night. Hunter was 7.1 and slpit the round with Cody Ohl. It was such an awesome night. Its been a pretty long week for us, as Hunter has been struggling to pull out a win. God is good though, all the time, and he knew before it ever started this would happen. We are so thankful to him and to all of you guys. Thanks for the prayers and support!! Yesterday was also Tough Enough to Wear Pink night and we were thinking of all our family and friends that have either went through Cancer or known someone who has. We were especially thinking of our good friend Diane Day who always comes out the first weekend to watch and who couldn't come this year. D you are one strong lady and we missed ya!!

Anyway Houston, Al and I are about to go to the Shark Aquarium over at Mandalay Bay. It should be another fun day here in Las Vegas. We have to try and squeeze in the lion exhibit over here at the Mirage for Al too. Hope we have more good news tonight. Miss and Love yall

Posing with our buckles

Lacey Dale, H , Bob, Me and Hunter

Hunter getting his buckle and bottle of Pendleton Whiskey, sorry guys that stays capped haha

Bob and H

H, Bob, Me and Hunter...not sure what Hunter said that had us all cracking up

Hunter is talking it over with Randy

Up on stage

Here they are watching the rodeo play back on tv, the calf roping is on and they are discussing what happened. We again got kicked out of this spot by security, i think they were scared H might order a cold one and hit a jackpot.

H and Hunter posing for a back number pic

H and Hunter at Southpoint

Houston kept asking Hunter for quarters. He wanted to play so bad, but a security gaurd kicked us out not long after this pic haha

The strip at night out our window

H and Al being silly

Houston and Aunt Ally

Houston and Aunt Cari

Hunter watching the bronc riding, getting ready to rope

Houston and his Bestfriend Riley, they ride up to the arena like this just about every night

Day 4 here in Las Vegas

Hey guys, we kicked off the day at Elevation Sunday this morning. It was amaazing. The turn out was really something. Stran Smith and David Key gave their testimony and it was quite emotional. God was really working this morning and I know it lifted my spirits!! Hunter hasn't placed yet heading into today but I'm sure things are going to turn around for us. God works in mysterious ways. On the other hand, our good friends Clint and Robyn Robinson are kicking butt. Clint won the round last night and is only a few thousand behind Trevor now. Thanks for all the prayers and support guys! We really are thankful to have so many great family, friends and fans!!! Hope everyone at home is good, we miss yall!!

Keep Emma Swanda in your prayers, she is my sisters bestfriend's cousin and is at Childerens Hospital trying to get some things figured out.

Houston during the grand entry waving the flag and waving to his Daddy

Grandma, H and Al

Thomas and Mack. This is the laser show that kicks the rodeo off

Houston wanted his Aunt Al to bowl with him. he was sure glad to see her when she got here yesterday.

Hunter and Houston

Hunter and Houston at The Gold Coast Celebrity bowling tourny for Charity. Houston had the most fun and definitly kept everyone entertained.

Walking up to the arena Houston is waving his Oklahoma Flag and singing National Anthem.

Houston and I during the National Anthem. Houston was of course singing!

The Pool here at the Mirage
A view from our room, thats the Rio

So cute, ready to go!!

A nice shoe shine

Houston getiing a massage today, he said he needed to get right before he ropes tonight

The view outside our window

Hunter waving to us on his way out

Grand Entry, Cowboys tipping their hats to the crowd

Some of the fan club holding up our signs. H kept hitting the people in front of us with his flag so we had to take it away.

H and I at the Rodeo


Hey Guys, we are having lots of fun out here in Vegas and wishing everyone could be here with us! Hunter didn't place last night but it wasn't to bad overall. Trevor went out of the average which is good for us, but with 9 rounds left anything can happen. Houston was tired by the time the rodeo started, he fell asleep during the bull doggin and missed his daddy roping, so im in the process of getting him down for a nap as we speak. It's not going so great at the moment haha!! Anyway tomorrow Hunter is competing in the Celebrity Bowling Tournament for Charity so I'll post lots more pics then. Hopefully Hunter wins the round tonight so i can post Southpoint Pics :)

Until then, we love and miss yall!!!

Let the Festivities Begin...

Hey guys, we are just 24 hours away from Round 1 of the NFR!!! It's about to get exciting. Houston, my mom and grammy made it to Vegas about 4 and it was soo good to see my little man. We've really missed him but are thankful he gets the chance to fly, 2 hours is way better than 18!! He's been a wild man so far, and lovin that he gets to stay in the Hotel! We took him down to Freemont Street tonight. I've never been down there either, and the light show is by far one of the coolest things out here. Unfortunatly Houston fell asleep before it started. He's still runnin on Oklahoma time. Stayed tuned in...hopefully i have awesome news tomorrow!!

Headed West for Bright Lights and Gold Buckles

Well, it’s finally here. Hunter and I are headed to Vegas. It’s been a busy week with packing, Thanksgiving and one last roping to polish up. We pulled out this morning about 9 a.m. after dropping Houston and our dogs off at my parents. He will fly out with my Mom and Grammy on Wednesday. He’s usually a pretty good rider, but 18 hours is hard on anyone, so it makes our drive a little bit easier. Houston was pretty eager to leave this morning; he has lots planned while we’re gone. He was especially excited to see my Mom and Dad’s brand new mini aussi puppies. Smokey had them the day before Thanksgiving. I’m sure they’ll get plenty of loving for the next few days. Anyway I Hope to keep this updated with everything that’s going on in Vegas. The Rodeo will be live on TV every night but the last so be sure to tune in. Hopefully this is his year!! Hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving!! I know that I have a lot to be thankful for. God is Good!! Love you all
Hunter and Ash

Excuse me Sir...Did you just say Surgery????

Hunter had surgery on his nose and sinus' last Wednesday. I know most of you were in the dark and surprised but it was kind of a last minute decision, as we are only weeks away from the NFR in Vegas. It was a tough decision for us to make but Hunter had been pretty miserable. It started out as a sinus infection right before our Circut Finals in Kansas City, MO and it got so bad up there that we had to go to an Urgent Care clinic. They took X-Rays and thought we should see a specialist as soon as we got home. We were a little worried but really thought the medicine the Dr. gave us would clear it up and we'd be on our way. Not so much...Hunter got right in to the Ear, Nose and Throat place and they examined the X-Rays and gave Hunter a different medicine and said his sinus cavity was fully clogged. One of the worst cases they'd ever seen. They wanted to see us back in a week and thought the medicine would help but if not they reccomended surgery. Well, the big day came and we were really hoping things would have loosened up and it wouldn't require surgery, but that wasn't the case. We knew Hunter had to do something because he couldn't go to Vegas feeling the way he did at KC, and they told us the sooner the better as recovery time is 4-6 weeks. They set the date for this last Wednesday! We got there and reminded the Docter that we only had 4 weeks max to work with and Hunter needed to be in prime shape for the Finals. He assured us he would only do what was neccessary and leave the rest for a later date. Turns out Hunter's divider cartilege was bent over completely blocking his left nasal. When they got it straight, the pus and infection came rolling out. The Doctor said it was really bad and a good thing we went ahead with the surgery. So here we are, setting at the home flushing Hunter's nose out every hour. He also has to wear this drip pad in case he gets a nose bleed. He was on full bed rest for 2 days and is now able to move around a bit but can't go anywhere or do anything. He's definitly getting very restless. Yesterday my Aunt Heather came to pick H up to stay the night, and we noticed a spider in H's room. Seeming as how I'm scared of spiders I hollared at Hunter to come kill the thing. It was hanging down from his web in mid air. Hunter found the perfect wacking stick but failed to connect the first 5 times....then he finally hit it, and it flung right thru the air at Aunt Heather. We all started screaming and jumping around. But it missed all of us and landed in the floor. The excitement was just to much for Hunter though, his nose started gushing and it took us awhile to get it stopped. Guess now we know he's not ready for that kind of action yet!! Anyway thank you all for the prayers and calls and pizza!!! Keep them coming our way though please. We really need this to be healed in exactly 3 weeks. God is Good!! love you guys!

Houston and Hunter posing with their nose diapers...or snot catchers as H likes to call it!!

Hunter has to stay on the couch so he doesn't get nose bleeds...

NFR T-Shirts 2009

It's that time of year guys!!!! I need all orders and money by NOV. 16. Either email me ashleyherrin13@aol.com or my mom aozmom@aol.com or just give one of us a call. Eric Day designed the shirts and here are the prices.

short sleeved t-shirts
sizes youth m - xl $10.00
2xl add 1.00
3xl add 2.00
4xl add 3.00

short sleeved junior fit t-shirts
sizes youth m - xl $13.00
2xl add 1.00
3xl add 2.00
4xl add 3.00

short sleeved misses fit t-shirts
sizes youth m - xl $13.00
2xl add 1.00
3xl add 2.00
4xl add 3.00

long sleeved t-shirts
sizes youth m - xl $15.00
2xl add 1.00
3xl add 2.00
4xl add 3.00

crewneck sweatshirt
sizes youth m - xl $20.00
2xl add 2.00
3xl add 4.00
4xl add 6.00

hoodie
sizes youth m - xl $25.00
2xl add 2.00
3xl add 4.00
4xl add 6.00

zip up front hoodie
sizes youth m - xl $37.00
2xl add 2.00
3xl add 4.00
4xl add 6.00

From Bad to Very Good

Hello everyone, sorry for the long break…it’s been so nice being home. A lot has gone on since we got home about a month ago. H and I flew home after Pendleton, OR so that I could attend a bachelorette party for one of my good friends Christy. We had so much fun hanging out and are really excited for Caddo and Christy to finally get married. Anyway I didn’t get to stay home long, I was off the next weekend to meet Hunter in Omaha for the last Tour Finale. My Grammy and H took me to the airport and it’s a good think she “Insisted” on being early because sure enough right after I got in line it backed up so bad that people were missing their flights. All this fuss was due to a “suspect situation”, needless to say I wasn’t feeling just real safe as I sat there waiting to get on my plane. My flight was pretty situation free until I got off my second flight at Omaha…I somehow missed the sign that said CAUTION UNEVEN GROUND!! And managed to trip, fall down and my gigantic purse swung up and hit me in the back of the head and completely ruffled my hair. And my fall caused the line getting off the plane to back up!! It was so embarrassing, but hey I’ve probably had worse. I was in need of some attention after that so Hunter and I went out for a nice evening since Houston got to stay home and hang with his grandparents, but our nice evening quickly turned pretty awful. Blair Burk came banging on our door to tell us Cajun, our good horse, was trying to colic. For those of you that may be unfamiliar with colic, its where horses guts hurt them real bad, like an awful belly ache, if you don’t catch them early it can cause their guts to twist because they roll and thrash around, which they can die from. We rushed outside and shot him up with some medicine to try and help his pain, we’d never given a horse rompum before, buts it’s like a muscle relaxer/sedative. It made him look like he was drunk, this horse could not walk a straight line. I drug him around in circles for an hour trying to help him work things out. I thought he was looking better so I put him back in his stall and then sat with him for about 45 minutes. Just to be sure I made Hunter switch out with me, so he came and thought he needed walked again so he did that for another hour and thought he was better once again. We put him back in his stall and went to try and get some sleep. We finally got in bed about 1 a.m. It wasn’t much longer and Monty Lewis came banging on our door and said that Cajun was in bad shape again. We ran over there and he was completely upside down with his legs in the air, thrashing around. It took us a minute to get him up and so we decided the meds didn’t work, it was time to get a vet out there. This was now about 3 a.m. We finally got a hold of one and he said he’d be right over. We had to keep walking him around because if he stopped he would try and lay down to roll. Finally the vet got there and immediately decided to put a tube down his throat and get oil in him, this lubes the guts up and things move along. He also thought he was dehydrated and hooked an IV up and put 6 liters of fluid in him. By 5 a.m. the vet thought he looked better and told us we were probably safe to get some sleep. So off to bed we went, but 3 hours later Clint Robinson came banging on our door and said Cajun was trying to roll. We got ready and headed back out, Clint and Fred were giving him some more medicine and it wasn’t long before he was feeling good enough to eat a little grass. We let him graze by our trailer for a good 30 minutes and went to put him back up. Everyone assured us they would keep an eye out for him so we could try and get some rest. Things were looking better. Hunter got up and checked on him and then was off to his meeting. After he got done with that we checked Cajun again and then headed down the road just a little ways to grab a bit to eat since it was well after 1. We no more than got our food ordered and Fred called to tell us Cajun was in bad shape once again. By now everyone was convinced that his guts had probably twisted because he kept coming in and out and usually after they get oiled they are fine. There are only 2 options after that happens, surgery or have them put down if they don’t die first. We scrambled around and found someone to let us borrow their bumper pull so we could rush him to the vet about 40 minutes away. Driving there we prepared for the worst. It was a terrible feeling as Cajun is like part of our family. We finally made it to the Vet and got him unloaded to take inside. The vet shot him up with a strong sedative and he was so out of it he started to drool. The vet examined him and listened to his gut sounds and thought they sounded okay. He then lubed his arm up and managed to pull out handfuls of poop. The news he gave us next was the best thing we’d heard all day, he was just very constipated and he was going to be okay!!! He still wanted to keep him and watch him close just to be sure. It was hard to pull off and leave him there alone but Hunter had to be back to start getting ready for the rodeo. We are very lucky to have so many good friends that offered to let Hunter ride theirs horses. Hunter decided to ride Cody Ohl’s horse Pearl and it turned out to be a good choice. Hunter won 4th in the round. It was a good start. The next night he won the round and average. And Cajun was getting much better. It’s amazing what a lot of prayer will do and how quickly things can turn around. Hunter had just boosted himself into the top 5 in the world with another night still to go. Saturday night was the finals and Hunter won the 8 man round and qualified for the final 4, he ended up winning 3rd in the final round. He won over 25,000 for the weekend and is now number 2 in the world. We appreciate all the prayers and well wishes from everyone. We are very lucky and loved!! Anyway we were ready to get home and see our little man who was definitely not ready to come home yet. He loved getting all the attention all weekend long.
After that hectic weekend it was so nice to just lounge at home for a couple of days, but before we knew it, it was Friday and time to go to Caddo and Christy’s wedding in Tulsa. Hunter, Houston and I all got to be in the wedding. It was beautiful and we were so happy for the two of them. Of course Houston was hammin’ it up for everyone with his slick dance moves. He got those from Hunter!!
Hunter is now in Waco at the Heartland finals. This is the last rodeo that can be counted towards the finals. And last night he set the arena record with a 7.5. He ropes again tonight, but is pretty sure he already qualified for the finals next weekend. But we are still hoping for another big win. Houston and I had to stay home since H is a little on the sick side. Nothing serious but were trying to get him well for his 3rd Birthday Party on Monday. Ah how time flies. They grow up so fast!!
Hope everyone is well, God Bless…we Love you!! Ash, Hunter and H

Sights from Ellensburg....

And we thought it was bad in the south, we could not believe this lady came to the rodeo not only dressed like this, but flaunting it. One of her friends showed up later in the same bikini. Ah the things people will do!!
Beautiful...The temp today was about 60!!

Little H throwing rocks, always doing something

Hunter roping his calf today