Eat Mor Chikin

Ross and I were very sick Monday night and we blame the beef that someone fed us Sunday for the disaster. Ross, who ate about twice as much as I did, was twice as sick. It cost us each a day of work, very bad in both of our cases.

That is the short version for why I, now more than ever, support the Chik-fil-a cows as they remind us to "eat more chikin."

Girl Scout Christmas

my buddy, Kassidy
Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

We had our holiday party today but the real thing to note is that little Kassidy made her Girl Scout debut.

Oh and she and I are like best friends. Yup, for reals. She let me carry her for the longest time, until she was stolen from me by Pat. And she didn't hardly cry. I told Haila I was going to take little Kassidy home with me and Kassidy gave her permission. As much as a month old baby can give her permission.

I can't wait til she comes to the office regularly to play!!

Nine'll do it

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Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

For many many moons, there were 8 grandchildren on my dad's side of the family. My grandparents couldn't be happier to have 8 grandkids, 5 girls and 3 boys. Not a perfectly even split but since they had 4 sons, you gotta figure, more girls than boys in the grandkids evens it out some.

Few and far between were/are the times all us grandkids end up in the same room. Last time it happened was Thanksgiving 2004.

But we did it again this week - and now with 9 "kids." My oldest cousin, Robin, married Steve last Labor Day weekend and he's quickly been adopted as the long lost 9th grandchild. So yup, now its 9 kids, the baby being almost 16. We have long since banished the kids table tradition - I think that really went to the wayside when my oldest uncle, Jerry, was sent to the kids table a few years back. You just can't call a table with a 50-something year old man the kids table now can you?

On Thanksgiving, in her happiness to have all 9 of her grandbabies present, Grandma even stopped to say one day she'd have 16 grandbabies, once she marries all of us off. Whoa, Gram, slow down, hold your horses, lady, hold your horses.

I'll Give $100 to...

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Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

the person who can show me a better Christmas decoration than Cowboy Claus.

Happily Ever After

Last Dance of the Wedding Night
Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

Well folks, that's it. Brittany Magness is no longer; meet Brittany Chesnut, proud and happy wife of Ken Chesnut.

The wedding was just gorgeous. Not everything went exactly as planned - apparently the weather gods will do whatever they want despite your wishes. Thankfully there was a covered area that was gorgeous so nothing lost.

Ken's vows, which he wrote himself, were wonderful. He said he first fell in love with her smile, then her heart and then her family. Oh I melt again just thinking about it.

The best man's speech was outstanding. He first gave advice to Brittany: cook all Ken's favorite meals, let him do whatever he wants and encourage him to go out with his friends every night. All joking of course - "I know Ken loves you very much because he spent a ton of time writing this speech and your marital advice for me!" A nice little change to serious talking about how Ken had always been the best brother and he hoped he could one day be there for Ken the way Ken had been for him. Finally ended with advice for Ken, learn three little phrases "yes ma'am" "I'm sorry" and "OK buy it."

Brittany sure cut a rug on the dance floor! That bride was all over the place! I think she made back the wedding costs on the dollar dances.

Now they are off to Cancun to enjoy their first week as husband and wife.

In what seemed like an entirely new day, I went with a few folks from the bridal party to the bar at the hotel where they were staying. While waiting for my drink, I see across the bar Olga Campos (news anchor for ABC in Austin)! Olga has been very supportive of the Girl Scouts and so while I didn't really want to talk shop on a Saturday night when we were each out enjoying ourselves, I really needed to introduce myself. We email and talk on the phone regularly but had just never met in person. After confirming that it was her, and chatting with her husband, I met Olga who was incredibly nice. Networking moment of my year.

Rehearse: to practice, have a dry run, the rough draft

Yo y la bride
Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

And so they rehearsed. I did not go to the rehearsal as I have nothing to rehearse. Well that is a lie. But I stayed at home and practiced the following.

"Evening ma'am! Don't forget to sign their guest book." big grin
"Hi yall, the guest book is just to your right." big grin
"Oh aren't you the cutest thing in a tux under 4 feet. Make sure mommy signs the guest book from Kenny and Brittany." big grin

I think I have it down.

Brittany was great at the dinner. She gave a nice and somewhat serious speech thanking everyone, most especially her bridesmaids. Followed up by Ken who lightened the mood telling stories of his groomsmen and handing out booze.

It was after dinner that Brittany finally realized it - she was getting married tomorrow! I think she sat next to me for two hours saying "I am getting MARRIED tomorrow. WEIRD!"

No worries though, they'll go through with it. They are head over heels in love.

And she has a princess dress. Nothing would keep her outta that dress today.