Ok…last night was the first episode of Dancing With The Stars! In the bizarre twist that is now my life, we watched my little brother dance. If you would have told me 12 months ago what my family had in store for the future, I would have thought you were crazy…but here we are.
Let me make a few points…
1. I’ve watched a lot of DWTS over the years but not every single episode (like I have with the Bachelor franchise).
2. I won’t be mocking their dance performances because I think it takes real courage to get out there. I don’t care how bad or good you are…dancing live in front of the judges and the rest of America looks super, super intimidating!
3. I took dance for 15 years but there is no way I would ever be on DWTS. I would throw up due to my nerves. Bravo to all 12 contestants for not throwing up…they’re already better dancers than I ever would be.
4. Sean’s partner Peta is a hottie! And from what I know, she’s a really hard worker but funny and goofy at the same time. I think they’re a great pair together.
5. Sean has been living out in LA now for about 3 weeks practicing. He practiced A LOT. I’m not sure he could have comprehended the amount of work DWTS would take, but he’s taking it seriously and practicing his booty off.
6. My dad and Andrew drove his two dogs out to LA to be with him for the duration of DWTS…they deserve a shout-out for that…Dallas to LA isn’t a short drive.
I will be there for next week’s episode! I’m taking the kids, so just pray they behave themselves :). I’m really excited to see how it works behind the scenes. Ok…I do have some comments about a few of the dancers…
I thought Kellie Pickler did really well! If she would have danced towards the end of the show, her scores would have been higher. I think going first hurt her a bit because the judges were more conservative with their scoring. I was really impressed by her! I think Kellie and Derrick are big competition!
I adore Lisa Vanderpump!! I’m most excited about meeting her next week! Sweet Smith asked me what her animal was called and I said “Giggy”. He said, “No mom. What kind of animal is that?”. Sweet boy was in love with her little dog…just not quite sure if it was a dog or not. He asked me if Miss Lisa would let him hold Giggy when we meet her. Sweet, sweet kid.
As a Texan, I have a deep appreciation for country music and of course, Wynonna Judd. That being said…I thought her scores were a little high. She didn’t really dance that much outside of a four foot radius. She has charisma and charm for sure…but I wasn’t really confident in her dancing abilities. She is one example of someone who got higher scores because she went toward the end (as opposed to Kellie who got lower scores at the beginning). Her mom and sister were so flippin’ cute in the audience though. That family is precious!
Ok…like most Americans, I was over Andy Dick. When I heard he was a cast member, I groaned. However, he sure showed a great side of himself last night. I about cried watching him talk about how DWTS was life-changing for him. Good for you Andy Dick! I might be a fan of yours after all :).
But the person who received all of our votes was this guy. We voted and I hope you did too! I get a lot of emails and/or comments hating on Sean for doing DWTS…but you know what, he had an opportunity and took it. He’s stepping out of his comfort zone and seizing a chance of a life-time. Trust me…in six months, his old boring life will back in full swing…right now, he needs to take some chances and try new things. These moments are fleeting.
Ok…what food reminds me of DWTS? (Because I always love a good food connection!) Well, I was going to play off of Sean’s sparkly red jacket but all of those recipes are Christmas and well…it’s March, I doubt you want a Christmas recipe. So, here’s one dedicated to Sean and his DWTS peeps…
My Peep S’mores 🙂
Now…Sheaffer over at Pinterest Told Me To will have a DWTS recap up on Wednesday. I have no idea how she’s going to do a Pinterest inspired look based on DWTS…so everyone hop over there to check it out. I’m sure it will be funny, witty and very sparkly. If you missed her A Bachelorette Told Me To posts, click here to see them.
Have a great Tuesday!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Last night's episode was SO MUCH FUN! And of course Sean got all 12 of my votes!!!!!!
Anonymous says
"I get a lot of emails and/or comments hating on Sean for doing DWTS"
I would do DWTS just for the money, that could buy me a new car,vacations and pay of some debts.
I heard celebs (…Margaret Cho and Beth Ostrosky) who has come fourth and say that they received/was offered 120-150k for doing the first episode. Now I don't know what Sean made, but I suspect similiar figures.
Maybe all these haters, Shay, make more then 150.000 dollar for a week. And Catherine, if they share their income, should be happy over that sum of cash as well.
I mean, here in Sweden the avg salary is somewhere between 45-55.000 dollar – anyone who can double or triple that sum in a week would be crazy not to.
And please don't get offended by the haters, most of them are probably in their early teens. And if they arn't you know they arn't happy with their own life.
Kelly Jo says
I am always impressed by the dances! Hope you have so much fun next week!
sally isleta says
hi shay,
Sean and Peta did a really great and fantastic job.
Before i brought my mom to the hospital for laboratory check-up, I ask her if its ok to wait for me coz i want to vote and watch DWTS, and im glad she said yes, and we watch together.She also ask me to make her a Facebook account so that she can also vote..hahaha..Sean got 24 votes from us..
goodluck for TeamMurgalo..
Love seeing you on DWTS and the kids next week…(Smith,im your fan)
Sally Isleta
Alison Chitwood Peters says
Agree with all of your assessments of the dancers. I, too, thought Wynonna's scores were very high and I think Dorothy Hamill's were high too. I enjoyed Kellie Pickler's dance a lot, as well as the Olg guy that danced contemporary with Kim. I thought his scores were too low. Andy Dick really surprised me too. I also enjoyed Aly Raisman, the gymnast. She's really good too! 🙂 Sean seems uncomfortable with the close nature of the dancing – I would too!! I was laughing at Lisa's assessment of feeling like she hadn't done some of those moves since her honeymoon. LOL!!! Plus Sean's brand new fiance' is out in the audience so I'm sure it is a bit awkward too. In time, because I think he will be around for a LONG time, he will grow to become more comfortable with the gyrating and such (though I'm serious, I would have a hard time gyrating and grooving on another man, in front of my husband, even if it is for a TV show!).
Cheryl says
Good Morning Shay…..I thought Sean did a very good job last night….I, like you, can't imagine what those stars are thinking….would have to be so very nerve racking……Sean did a great job…..and I have watched DWTS religiously over the years…and it is amazing to see how much they all improve……and don't worry about the haters….I, for one, think it is great…..life is full of opportunity….the difference is who takes the chances given and runs with them or who plays their whole life safe……I do not blame Sean one little bit for giving this a go…..what fun for him!!!…..go Team Sean!!!!
Meagan @ The Clanahan Fam says
Out of everyone I am sooo jealous you get to meet Lisa! You have to tell us if she looks anything like her DTWS promo pic because OMG. 🙂
Holly says
Shay!! Proud of him and what an opportunity you just can't pass up! Loved seeing your parents and Catherine in the audience! Cheering him and your family on! Sean got all of my votes!
Caravan Sonnet says
Love your recap! 🙂 I don't understand anyones negative comments ~looks like a fun and once in a lifetime opportunity to me! 🙂 I totally agree with you too about the courage it takes to be on the show! I LOVE ballroom dancing but my feet would be frozen to the stage in front of all of those people! 🙂 Hope you have a great day! 🙂
Rebecca
Aubs says
Okay. I've watched DWTS for years and LOVE this show!! You are so right about Wynonna's scores ~ your brother did FAR better and only scored 1 point higher….boo!! And i didn't even think about the whole going first affecting Kellie's scores but you're so right! She did really well!! I totally made a 2nd abc account so i can have double the votes! =)
I'll be praying that all goes well with your trip next week ~ so FUN!! Loved seeing your parents in the audience last night!!
And i HATE that you have to deal with hateful emails…ugh! I say bravo to Sean for stepping out of his comfort zone and enjoying the opportunity he was given! (i'm with you…PUKE! although i secretly dream of being able to dance like that!! just not on national tv!)
meg says
That's hilarious that people email you about Sean … I'm guessing he is a big boy and made his own decision. I was actually surprised he was doing it, but I'm not sure why people would email you about it!!! I haven't watched last night's episode but am excited to! Is it more weird for you to see him on this show or on The Bachelorette/The Bachelor???
Slightly Askew Designs says
LOVED LOVED LOVED seeing Sean dance last night – so much fun!!! But, more importantly… if Smith gets to hold Giggy I may actually die. UGH! SO EXCITED!!! 🙂
Jennifer Cannon says
Go sean! Go sean! Go sean! I will admitt he looked a little nervous and stiff, but hey, who wouldnt be?! If that were me, you would have to tie a rope around my waist and PULL me around to Make me dance!! Nooo thank you!
As for all the "haters", God places oppurtunities in our lives for a reason! This was all a part of God's perfect plan for Sean, and I commend sean for listening!!
As for the Shull family being there… WHOOHOOO!!! I cant decide if i'm more excited about Seans dancing, or your families a wardrobe choices!! Nothing makes me happier than a sassy little Kensingtons hairbow, and a little mix and matching of colors from you! No pressure…
Have a great week!
Jennifer
Connie says
My family is cheering for Seanie!
My kids feel like they know him from seeing him on The Bachelor (what little bit they saw each week before bedtime) and they were thrilled that he danced before they had to go to bed last night!
They ARE disappointed that they won't accidentally run into him when we're in Dallas next week. Funny Kids!
Rebecca Jo says
I totally agree – Wyonna was judged too high.
I think it takes mega-courage to get on that show & be judged for something you dont normally do. I give everyone props.
I too was surprised by the heart tug of Andy Dick. Prayers he's on a straight path now! 🙂
have fun visiting next week. Get all the behind the scenes scoop!
Anonymous says
I have yet to watch – since I am in Portugal…I will get to soon via abc.com. Sorry to hear about the haters – I don't know why people have to be sooo judgemental. I totally agree with you – doing DWTS is a huge challenge and you only live once, people need to use their filters. Anyhow I look more forward to seeing you and your kiddos their next week, just because I adore you. xo
Morgan 🙂
aprilparrish says
SEAN did awesome!!! I know your family is super proud! So glad that your parents and Catherine were able to be there to support him.
There's always gonna be some negative comments, but just stay focused and don't worry about what others think or say. Sean probably has added pressure since he is a Reality Star, but hey look at Melissa Ryecroft last season—She took home that Mirror Ball Trophy!!! Sean got 48 votes from our household and there's more to come!!!!! I thought he did great for the first time and with practice come improvement!
#Team Sean
Prayers for your family for a safe trip!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I havn't watched it yet, I am saving it to watch whilst I am on my treadmill.. one thing that makes me work out harder is seeing those dancers lean bodies LOL
For the haters.. really why? Anyone would was given that opportunity would take it and run, for the fun, for the activity, for the extra finance, for the experience.. way to go sean!!!!!
4sweetboys1princess says
Sean did really well last night. As for the haters, don't people have better things to do than worry about other people's life choices? If you are offered an amazing opportunity like that than take it if you want to! I would love to be on the show!
BrittM says
Haters are gonna hate. Period. DWTS is a smart group of people, because I rarely watch the show and they had me tuned in right at 7pm, with thousands, if not millions of other Bachelor fans (and Real Housewife fans, of course). Good for Sean! And I'll keep my fingers crossed for a Smith and Giggy encounter. So jealous! I love me some Vanderpumps.
Ashley says
Hey Shay,
I thought Sean did a GREAT job!
I look forward to seeing you and the kiddos in the audience next week.
I thought your parents and Catherine looked great in the audience cheering him on!
have you got to "hang out/get to know" Catherine more since the show is over? I look forward to hearing more about you and her relationships.
I never had a sister growing up but once my older brother married i finally got my sister! She is one of my BF's.
I hope you and C have a similar experience.
Have a blessed day 😉
Ashley says
can't wait to see you and the kiddos in the audience next week.
I thought your parents and Catherine looked great cheering on your bro!
Have you got to hang out/get to know Catherine more since the show has ended?
I didn't have a sis growing up….just a big bro. Once my bro married my sis-in-law became my sister and Bf. I hope you have a similar experience.
We'd love to hear more about how Sean, Catherine and your family are doing and how yall get to get to know her better.
Best wishes!
kristinwithani says
Funny you said, "Trust me…in six months, his old boring life will back in full swing…right now, he needs to take some chances and try new things. These moments are fleeting."
That's pretty much what I was thinking. The reason Sean is a fan favorite is because he is so NORMAL. He's not out for the attention or the fame. He just seems normal.
Last night I thought, "How fun he gets to experience this and then will get to get back to normal life in Dallas before TOO long."
Fun comments. Thanks as always. Your perspective is great. Have fun next week!
Anonymous says
your recap was spot on. Sean did really good he sure got our votes. i really do not understand how anyone could dislike you or any member of your family. Sean is a smart man for doing dwts i really think he will go far. it made my night to see your parents last night! please dont let the haters get you down sean and your whole family have lots of fans. cant wait to see you on my tv ill be waving to you! hope you have a wonderful day! God Bless
Anonymous says
You,Shay, sent in an application for Sean, and he ended up on the Bachelorette,Bachelor (met his fiancé) and DWTS.
Your brother should be very,very grateful.
Aubrey says
What?! Now Sean is on DWTS?! This is soooooo awesome! I cannot believe anyone would say hateful things about his choice to participate on the show. Way to go, Sean! And way to go, Shay, for being such an amazingly supportive sister!
I love that now I am keeping up on yet ANOTHER tv series via your blog. And on a related note, how the heck did that commenter in Sweden view this episode?! 🙂
Denise Holthaus says
I have really enjoyed reading your blog about Sean when he was on the Bachelor and now I'm looking forward to your comments about DWTS. You were "spot on" about Kelly and her scores should have been higher, no doubt! Have fun next week, I look forward to seeing you in the audience and your comments the next day.
mel @ the larson lingo says
Like you, I have watched a handful of DWTS seasons, but you better believe I am watching this season!!! Go Sean!!! He did great! I did dance for years and like you, there is no way I would go on that show!!!! They do hard stuff!!!!
Anonymous says
Shay,
I found your blog about week 4 of the Bachelor. Our family loves Sean and now, Catherine! And can I tell you we all got teary-eyed when your Dad talked about praying for his future daughter in law?
A question that came up often was, "What family helped create this man??!!?" So, you are right. Like it or not, your family is in the spotlight for a little while.
There will always be the haters, but I'm reminded of Theodore Roosevelt's quote:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. "
Sean's LIVING in the arena. Who wants to sit on the sidelines of their life?
Go Sean!
Btw….I Love cooking and baking and your blog is wonderful. Love how you connect food to everything!
Tammy
Audrey says
Sean was so great last night! I, for one, have NEVER seen an episode of DWTS. I only tuned in to watch Sean! I bet Catherine and your whole family were so proud! Looking forward to seeing you there in the audience next week. Yay!
Ronda Petrin says
Yay! You are blogging DWTS! I am so happy that Sean is doing this, he is such an awesome guy. I was afraid of my Monday – Seanie withdrawals!
I am sick and went to be early so I did not get to see him dance live last night, but I taped it, so will watch as soon as I can.
Can't wait to see you and the kids on next week!
Jen A @ Love, the Arthurs says
I Looooove DWTS! I would do it in a heartbeat if the opportunity were presented to me. (It never would be) I would definitely be out the first week cause I have ZERO coordination and have only ever taken one semester of dance in my entire life BUT it would be SOOO fun to have a chance to learn to dance like that! Although performing would be terrifying. That seems really weird to me that people are emailing YOU about Sean's choices. Everyone has to work and support themselves and their family, if an amazing opportunity like DWTS presents itself, you take it! Crazy that he's getting so much flak for working. And yes! Let the normal guy have some crazy fun life experiences! We all need more of those! I too loved kellie pickler's dance. I didn't even think about how the judging was skewed with her going first but you're totally right. I was surprised with her score. Good luck taking your kids next week! I know my daughter would LOVE it and my son would be wondering how much longer we had to watch the dancers. (Silly boy :)) love your recap! And have FUN in LA next week
Amanda says
Hey Shay, I just started following your blog because of Sean on the Batchelor. I have 3 daughters and we love him. He's just precious. So sorry to hear that you're getting negative mail. I can't imagine what people are thinking. We are so excited to watch him on DWTS. He will def get our votes. We'll be looking for your sweet family in the audience next week.
The Cantelmo Family says
People are so rude to even comment about Sean doing dwts. It's a great opportunity for him and he can use the money to create a great future for him, Catherine and future children. People are silly.
Paula says
What a great experience for the family as a whole. Every year I start watching DWTS and fizzle out half way through. Hopefully, I will last! :-).
Your children will do great. If they can travel across country as well as they did, this will be cake. Probably the glitz and glitter will captivated them enough.
Oh…..peep smores?!?! We're bonfiring it next Friday. I am gonna use Peeps for Easter fun!!!
Vicki L says
Sean has made ABC a lot of money from high ratings – he deserves to be paid a good salary on DWTS. Don't blame him for seizing that opportunity! Glad to hear he has his four legged kids with him out there! Will be looking for you, Shay, & the kids next week. Can't wait!!!!
Christine says
The only thing that annoys me about Sean doing DWTS is that now I feel the need to watch it. Doh! I was totally planning on quitting that show this year. I don't have time for it, the cast wasn't all that interesting… and then Sean had to go mess that up. 🙂 Good for him though. Great opportunity. I'll definitely be rooting for him.
ChelseaSalomone says
Hi Shay~
I've been reading your blog for a long time, but I don't think I've ever commented. I grew up in good ol' Arlingfun too (I graduated from Martin), and my husband and I live in Southlake now. Anyway, we have lots of mutual friends and acquaintances. Not sure how I first stumbled upon your blog, but I've loved it and your recipes (!!) for a long time!!
Okay so here is my question. I've noticed you haven't said much about Catherine. I totally know that you would never, ever say anything bad about your future SIL on your blog- I get that. So I guess what my question is, is.. has your family had a chance to really get to know her? Or is it hard with them being hidden away and then now in LA? Have you guys gotten a chance to get to know her family at all?
I have a younger brother as well, and I know I will love whomever he is blessed to marry. But yeahhh… I also know as his older sister I have set the bar pretty high! So I imagine your situation- I think that would be SO. HARD.
Love your blog & your sweet fam.
buckles10 says
I also am only watching DWTS because Sean is on it…aside from Kelli Pickler…rest of the contestants are boring and not well known. I normally only watch the beginning and the end…and will probably quit watching this time should Sean be eliminated.
Candi says
I was dying during their clip. Typical guy…starts thinking about his crotch and can't function after that! I thought he did great, though! I'm excited to watch him in the weeks ahead!
Jack's Mom says
Shay,
I have so enjoyed following your blog that I found during the Bachelor. I love all of your recipes, and have been trying them out. I know you're aiming to keep all things positive, and I would certainly do the same thing if it were my brother!! I can't help but notice that you haven't mentioned Catherine by name since the finale…is that intentional to give them privacy or because of tension? Just curious from a fan of yours! 🙂
Anonymous says
Glad you can let the judgemental comments slide. If it were my brother, I'd pray for him to have fun, but stay grounded.
You have an adorable family. I love reading your blog. It has the perfect balance of normalcy and values with some extraordinary twists.
Best wishes!
Kelly says
I never watched or cared for DWTS. However, when I heard Sean was going to be on I HAD to see it and get my Sean fix 🙂 He did a really good job! I made sure to vote for him from my phone & my hubby's and I never vote for things like but he totally deserved all the votes he could get 🙂 Go SEAN! 🙂
Maureen W. (Maryland) says
"No, mom, what kind of animal is it?" – that ranks up there with Tierra and the water firemen. Sweet Smith! I will be thoroughly looking forward to a photo of him with Giggy next week. XOXO
nicole@http://theclarks-nicole.blogspot.com/ says
I love watching Sean! I never missed an Episode of the Bachleaur and I feel like I know him already. Its good to see him out the Bachleaur fame. Lucky you have him as a brother. He is such a man of God and will be a wonderful husband. I voted for him!!!