Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade!

We have been members of the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux for a few years now, and this is our 4th annual parade that we have gone to in Shreveport. Every year they come up with a new theme, (Be Mine Fur-Ever was this years with Valentine's Day and all) and you get to dress up along with your animals and go down to the Riverwalk to be in the parade. Shelby came up with the Frog Prince, for the romantic love theme and she was his princess. It is the Animal Krewe's largest fundraiser every year, they help educate and promote programs to benefit neglected and homeless animals, as well as supporting spay/neuter programs. The turn out gets bigger and bigger every year, there were well over 1000+ at the parade this year. It is a wonderful cause that we support and an enjoyable family event that we all look forward to every year. Last year Buster was in the Royal Court as Duke of Loyalty, this year he got to enjoy the scenery and meet a lot of new friends. He got lots of pictures taken, he is a celebrity and a darn cute one at that. He loves all of the attention, but he is also getting a little older now, by the end of the parade he had had enough! I ended up having to carry the spoiled prince the rest of the way, because he just gave out towards the end of the parade. He wouldn't budge, so over the shoulder he went, and let me remind you, he is no little dog, over 60 #'s I believe. It was worth it though, he got some cold water and treats from some kids at the end and was back up and ready to meet and greet in no time. Below are some pics from the parade, enjoy!!

MARDI GRAS HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!

This weekend we went to a few Mardi Gras parades!! The Krewe of Centaur parade was Saturday night, we spent all day waiting for the parade. Seeing as how we are leaving in less than a week for New Orleans, we took this opportunity for a test run to make sure we had all of our bases covered. Jambalaya was on the menu, and as Shelby said "It was deeeeeelicious!!" We only came up with a few more things to add to the packing list, such as pot holders being a necessity. Big aluminum pots over burning flame get HOT fast!!!! Other than that we all had a wonderful time, several friends stopped by to hang out for a while, and the throws we're just a tease for what is to come next week in N.O.!! See pics below:

Animal Shelter Update

So, since last weeks update, we have been working very hard on moving the animal shelter along. Last night at the Police Jury meeting it was finally approved to move forward with locating land and beginning the planning and design of the facility. This is huge for our committee, our community and our parish. If all goes well and there are no hiccups, we hope to get that approved at the March PJ meeting and begin advertising to bidders to start building. (See the video clip from KTAL news below.)

Also, last Wednesdays newscast on KTBS got overwhelming support from the community, so they did a follow up story the next night because there were so many people calling to offer support and complaints. Then on Monday, I am sorry to report that they did another story where someone had taken it upon themselves to put one of the dogs out of his misery. (See the links for the videos below if interested.)

http://www.ktbs.com/player/player.cfm?video_id=15725&current_zone=63

http://www.ktbs.com/player/player.cfm?video_id=15789&video_zone=3,1

Thanks for all the support from my family and friends through this wonderful possibility to do something for my community. It has been a great learning experience, chance for me to get involved with politics, learn how to deal and toughen up when it comes to the media, (thanks, mom) and an overall enjoyable opportunity. Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming, we still have a long road ahead, its not over yet!!

Monster Nation

A few weeks ago a friend of mine gave us free tickets to go and see the Monster Trucks at the CenturyTel Center. Shelby was so excited to go, suprisingly, so off we headed. We got there and met up with some of Brian's family, we had a blast. Next time we will remember to bring our ear plugs, I think our ears were still ringing the next day. Pictured above: Travis Chelette (Brian's brother), Brian, Jim Poche (Brian's Cousin and no relation if anyone is wondering), Emily Dublieux (Jim's Fiance'), Shelby, Shannon Harris (Brian's Cousin), Kaley (Shannon & Laura's daughter), Laura Harris, me and down front is Ashton (Jim's son).

Mrs. Claudia and Aunt Wanda these are for you: I actually got them all to look at the camera, it was a one time opportunity I couldn't pass on and Brian is even fully smiling.

The 3 Chelette grandkids, Shelby, Kaley and Ashton.

The red headed granddaughters, having a great time waiting for the show to start.

These are two pics that Shelby had on her camera she wanted me to add to the blog.

Shelby and Brian acting like Barbarian's.

Animal Shelter

As some might know, I have been working with the DeSoto Parish Police Jury for the last 8 months or so, researching a proposal for an animal shelter for the parish. Our Committee has worked diligently over the past few months, and have finally received approval from the jury to allocate $700,000 to build the facility. I have taken this wonderful opportunity to get involved in the community, network with government officials and start looking for the future economic development of where I live, it is very enlightening. I have been blessed that even though I gripe occasionally about my current job, (running a convenience store & restaurant), it has it's perks. If I worked anywhere else, I would not have the luxury to work on projects like this and learn the things I have learned. However, in the last few weeks we have had some major roadblocks that we have been hurdling and in the middle of it all the press started to get wind of it. Lately, I have had several quotes in the local papers, sometimes without my knowledge, but it's funny to read how the media spins things. And just last week I did a news interview about the shelter, and again the media misquote me. However, it has gotten the attention of alot of people in the surrounding parishes and now people are coming out of the woodworks to help us. I am learning very valuable lessons when it concerns media and politics, and if anybody has any tips on dealing with them, I am all ears, LOL!! Anyway, I have included a link of the news clip if interested, and just let me say it was not portrayed in the positive light that I would have liked, but as I said it did get some attention!
http://www.ktbs.com/player/player.cfm?video_id=15698&video_zone=1

The beginning

I wanted to start this post to keep every one up on the comings and goings of the Chelette's Crewe. However, with the lack of what to post and time, I am just now getting around to it. So without further adieu, here goes... First a little background on the name, it is based loosely on Mardi Gras Krewe's. We are a fun filled bunch that loves to throw a get together with family and friends, good food and lots of fun!! We also love parades and Mardi Gras season. Right now we are planning our annual trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we will be staying 5 whole days. We are so excited!! But before that we will be going to the Shreveport Gemini Parade and the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade. Buster (our Bassett Hound) gets dressed up for the parade every year. Last year he was even in the Royal Court, see the pics below. This year Shelby has planned out the whole outfit for the parade theme, she is so excited. I will post new pics of him in his new costume once it is complete. All'n'all we just like to have fun and if it involves our animals and our family & friends then a good time will definitely be had by all!!