Texas Pride...

Although I was not born in Texas, I claim to be a Native Texan (can I do that?) I could go on and on listing things that make Texas the great state it is, but for my sake I'll just mention one.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

I'm not claiming to be a historian or a HLSR guru, but I wanted to share a few facts here for all of my non-southern friends and fellow bloggers:

The initial "Fat Stock show" was established in 1931 and held it's first showing in 1932

It officially became The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1961

The HLSR has given millions of dollars in scholarship money to students in FFA programs, 4H programs, Art programs and has even given money to a Teachers for Excellence program

Each spring Houstonians prepare for the 3 week event. Ag students and farmers from all over the world come to the HLSR to show their livestock, hoping for a big pay off for all of their hard work, in the form of cash or scholarship. During the day you can roam the exhibit halls spectating all of the livestock, children can visit the Ag educational area to learn about all of the different breeds of livestock, you can even milk a cow! Should you get hungry...well, never fear the HLSR is home to some of the best food you'll ever eat, from down south BBQ, Homemade Mexican, and even Fried Oreos you're sure to find something to hit the spot. During the evening saddle up for the RodeoHouston where cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world come to compete in their Rodeo events from Bareback Bronco riding, Team calf Roping, 8-second Bull riding, and the new favorite, Mutton-Bustin. RodeoHouston is home to the Calf Scramble which allows young students a chance to round up a calf, raise it to show standards, and present it at a later date back at the HLSR. RodeoHouston has hosted hundreds of celebrity singers and performers for the entertainment portion of the Rodeo. Overall, the HLSR is such a benefit to our community and allows many opportunities to hundreds of people not only in Houston but across the world.

Ok..enough history :)

Now that I've given you a brief overview of the HLSR I'll share with you my personal connection to it. When I was in 3rd grade (I think it was 3rd..might've been 2nd...Mom, help me on this one:) my teacher asked if I wanted to participate in a contest where I would submit a painting or drawing to a panel of judges for a possibility it would be shown at the HLSR Art Show. Of course, I was thrilled, so I began thinking of what to paint, and I decided to do a watercolor painting...My picture was of 2 cactus' on a dessert hill with a lovely sunset sky. My painting was selected to be shown at the HLSR, and ....drum roll...it was selected as a first place winner!!!! I was thrilled, and will never forget my mother taking me down to the HLSR so that I could have my picture taken there. I believe my mother still has this painting, and I wish I could get a picture of it so you all could have a good laugh...it's terribly ugly!!!!

Anyhow, that's been my personal story of the HLSR and I'm sure there are thousands of others that top mine...feel free to share...I'd love to hear your story.

This past weekend the Stud and I took our munchkins to visit the HLSR....what a day! They had an absolute blast. We were accompanied by friends and spent the afternoon eating good food (several times...several types....several dollars worth), dodging pig poop, looking at newborn lambs (only a few hours old), and oohhhing and aahhhing at the Rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.

I'm proud to be a Texan...I just can't help it...I've got that Texas Pride....Yee haw!