Party...Crazy Cousins Style

Labor Day weekend my brother, Bella and I ventured off to Nada, Texas for the St. Mary's Church Picnic.  When we were younger we would attend the picnic every year.  Grandma Berger lived just down the street so if we got tired or too hot, we'd walk back to Grandma's house.  Even after she passed away, we continued to go for a few years...and then we stopped.  Tony and I have been talking about going back but never made it happen.  We made it happen this year.  A bunch of our crazy cousins were going as well so we made it a family affair.  It was hot but the cold beer and shade made it bearable.  Bella had a fabulous time and was plum wore out by the time we left.  It was a good day.  We arrived around 11:30 and had lunch.  The auction started at 1:00 and ended after dark.  I have never stayed there the entire time but this was truly a family affair.  The "cousins' took up a whole bleacher.  We were all bidding on stuff, laughing, visiting, drinking, eating and sending Bella for more light up rings!   

Bella with her "tattoos"....

 

Aunt Marilyn & Aunt Tina proudly holding Aunt Tina's purchase of her brother's homemade Mustang Grape Wine.  Uncle Frank (Marilyn's husband, Tina's brother) passed away last October. 

The auction had three bottles of his wine.  I couldn't tell you who bought the first but Aunt Tina purchased the 1/2 gallon and Shari (Uncle Frank's daughter) bought the gallon jug. 

The crazy cousins contributed to the purchase of the jug. 

The best damn wine you'll ever drink!

Sharla, Tony and myself enjoying the recipe!

Here are all of us crazy cousins showing off our light rings we got from Bella's many trips to the fish pond.  :) 

This was the best day I've had in a long time.  You just can't beat spending time with your family.  I guarantee you an awesome time with our family!!

Y'all have a good one!  

Notes From Our First Dance Class

Yes, I did type "our first dance class" because it was mine and Bella's first day.  I have never been to a dance class nor have I ever taken dance but I came away with lots of notes that I would like to share with you... 

• Arrive in enough time to get a good seat.  Up front where you can actually watch your daughter practice.  Not stuck behind the family of 40 who come to watch one child.  Yes I'm exaggerating but damn people, have some manners and sit down please.

• Have your daughter try on her tights before the first day of dance class to make sure they actually fit her.  Apparently they come with wide-ass feet!  Who knew?

• Dress comfortable.  Try not to come straight from work with heels on.  I was fine but when one has to take her child to the bathroom and you must walk across the gymnastics mat, the girls cringe at the sight of your heels. Tippy toe walking in heels is not as easy as you think. 

• Bring tissues for two reasons.  One, you may cry at how beautiful your daughter looks.  Two, your daughter may need to wipe her runny nose as its very cold in the practice area. 

• Wear light clothing.  Its warm in the "watch" area.

• In the off chance you arrive late and get a back row seat, bring something to entertain yourself as straining your neck to see your child gets old, plus it hurts. 

•  Throw a granola bar and bottle of water in your bag as well.  Thirstiness (a word my sis and mom came up with) and the urge for a snack hits when you least expect it. That hour can last longer than you think.

• Ballet is absolutely beautiful, even when its little ones learning the craft.

• Most importantly, when your child waves or smiles at you, wave back, give her thumbs up and blow kisses so she knows she is doing an awesome job, then motion for her to pay attention.

My girl did a great job on her first day.  She started out a little rough but quickly came around and got in the game.  They started with ballet so she was a little disappointed. She prefers her "clacking" shoes (tap) to her ballet shoes.  I'm going to make some adjustments to her attire (tights) and prepare my Daddy as much as I can because next Monday, he will be getting her ready and taking her. That, my dear friends, is an awesome Pop...and Daddy!!

Cheers to the Weekend

 

It only took me a week to do this but I wanted to share a few pictures from last Friday's game.  Miss Bella got to cheer with the big girls before the first home football game.  I didn't know until right before they did the cheer that she was going to be on top of the pyramid!  Look at my girl go!!  Arms up and big smile!!  I love it! 

 

 

They did Two Bits, and I was so proud that she was actually cheering and yelling this time around, not doing so much of the shyness bit like she did the last day of camp. 

 

And up we go!!  All for the Wildcats stand up and holler!!

This is Bella and Carli before they hit the field.  These girls have just really bonded.  They adore each other.  Carli didn't know it until I told her but her parents and I went to school together. So cool. 
 

Me and my Boo after she was done.  One proud momma.

Bella and Carli afterward...

 

It was a fun night.  Bella had a great time and said she most definitely wants to do it again next year.  I think I might have a little cheerleader on my hands.  Good times ahead.

 

I hope y'all have a great weekend.  Stay tuned for pictures from St. Mary's Church Picnic last weekend.  It was a great family day!

 

Have a good one!

 

 

 

First Friday!!

I'm the mom who didn't get pictures of the kids this year on the first day of school. Or the second. Or the third or fourth. But by golly I got it done on Friday!! Seriously, after I missed the second day I decided I would wait until Friday. Pretty sure I've done that before and what's better than a pic of my babies in their Wildcat Purple!!

 

 

I hope everyone had a great first week of school.  I know many of us are plum exhausted.  Hoping week 2 isn't as rough. 

 

Y'all have a good one!