The Schroeder's Annual Shut ya' up Trip

For my non-hunter followers, let me explain exactly what the "Shut ya' up Trip" is. Almost twenty years ago, I married a hunter and gatherer. Not being from a hunting family, this was quite an adjustment for me. From getting use to Cactus being gone A LOT, to cooking the daily kill. I adjusted quicker to the cooking side than to the being gone side. Hunting season for us begins September 1st and ends the end of April, with spring turkey. March is a non-hunting month, which is why we were married and had our three children's birthdays within 12 days of each other (I'll save that story for another blog). About 8 years into our marriage, I guess Cactus got tired of my complaining (that's what he calls it, I call it discussing), and decided that I might not "discuss" as much, if he spent a little one on one time with me. So...the "Shut ya' up Trip" was born. Every August we take a 5 day/4 night trip to the destination of MY choice. Our most frequented locations have been Las Vegas, San Antonio and San Diego. This year, I picked San Diego. It was FABULOUS! The weather was cool and breezy, the food was amazing and the racetrack was AWFUL! The first day I did great; the second day I listened to my very intelligent husband and DID NOT WIN A RACE! Won't do that again! This is a wonderful time for us to reconnect with each other, not only before hunting season, but before school starts and the madness begins. I recommend every couple spend quality time together, whether it is a special trip, or date night in your hometown.

Cactus once asked me why I still "discuss" after he has taken me on a fabulous trip. I told him just try and not take me one year and see how bad the "discussing" gets!

Happy hunting!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

Momsense...LIVE!

As most of you know, I am an independent consultant for Southern Living at HOME. Not only does my job allow me to work from home while earning an income, I have met the most incredible women in the world. I just returned from my 7th annual convention with the company. For the second time, the convention was at the BEAUTIFUL Gaylord Texan. As with any convention, there is so much to learn and soak up. We have general sessions during the morning and break-out sessions in the afternoon. My mind is spinning with all of the information I received. Let's see how well this old sponge can remember it all!

I am continually amazed at how incredible these events are. Southern Living at HOME spares no expense. The first morning, there is always a grand entrance put on by corporate. These are always extremely entertaining and HILARIOUS! After all, these people are business people, not actors, dancers or comedians. I guess this year they realized this, so they brought in outside entertainment. Can you guess who? You guessed it - Anita Renfroe!!!! I about fell out of my chair (and I was on the FRONT ROW!!!!!). Just that morning, I had asked my friend Katiebeth if she had ever seen the Momsense video. And then not an hour later, as we sit in the general session, out she comes. She performed for about 45 minutes; but I could have listened to her all day! She has a new book out titled "Don't Say I Didn't Warn You" that I bet is a must read. To learn more about this incredibly entertaining woman, check out her website at www.anitarenfroe.com. On her website are video posts of some of her concerts. Or you can check her out on YouTube.

The last event of the convention is the awards gala. This years entertainment was the adorable Cactus Cuties from Lubbock, Texas. These four young ladies sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem and there was not a dry eye in the room. You can also check out these cuties on YouTube.

I hope you enjoy these videos as much as I enjoyed them LIVE!

SLAH Girl Erin aka Gabbin' Gal Erin