Mardi Gras - Krewe of Janus

I haven't been to any sort of Mardi Gras celebration since I went with our high school band. So when an invitation to attend the Krewe of Janus parade came from my friend Nannette, this year's Queen, I knew I had to go.

My friend Sheryl and I drove up on Friday and immediately went to the world premiere of the movie New Hope. This was a Christian based movie about the effects of a teen suicide. It was very moving - so much so that when I was telling the kids about the movie when I got home my nephew Jacob asked me to stop because I was crying. Again. See it if you have the opportunity.

We were able to visit with the writer/director and actors after
the movie. They all did a fabulous job.

Next, we went to downtown West Monroe for the Krewe of Janus pet parade on Saturday. Having never been to a pet parade I wasn't sure what to expect but it was adorable to see all the furry animals decked out in their finest Mardi Gras attire.

Saturday night found us with friends of Nannette's (the Queen) for the viewing of the parade. It all seemed so orderly before the parade began but once the floats started rolling by, it was no holds barred trying to get those beads. And that was just from my friend Sheryl. (I kid. I kid.)

It was so fun to hoot and holler for beads. I was shocked that some parade goers actually would look at you and shake their heads no that they weren't giving you beads. Seriously?!

One man called me over and gave me a thong. What did he see that said she needs this? Whatever it was thank you!

The whole weekend was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again next year. I'll definitely take the kids for their first Mardi Gras experience.

Mardi Gras - Krewe of Janus 2012, a set on Flickr.

Feeling Wicked!

I have been to New York City a lot in my life and have had the opportunity to see Wicked on broadway during my travels - but unfortunately I never took that opportunity. Oh how I wish that I had.


When I saw that Wicked was coming back to Austin I immediately bought tickets for me, my mom and my sister as a Christmas present.

On the day of the show, my mom ended up being sick so it was just me and my sister. We showed up late so missed the very beginning of the show. Even that couldn't take away from the amazingness of the show. Oh how we loved it!

My friend Kristin is a huge fan of the show and kept telling me I would love it but I thought, eh it will be ok. No. It was. Amazing!


When my niece Sydni heard we were going she was so upset. So, of course I had to get tickets to take her and my nephew Jacob both to see it. My other nephew Caleb turned down the invitation so my sister and I took them both by ourselves. I'm so happy that they both loved it as much as we did.