My Pioneer Woman Adventure

Shelly and I set out on our Pioneer road trip much as the original pioneers did:  with a quick trip to the Love's on I-5 for gas, snacks and diet Pepsi.

After 3 hours we arrived at our destination. There was no line out the door so we figured we were early enough to get a good spot to meet Ree.

Then we saw this!

We did manage to find a good spot to stand for the next 2 hours.  Ree got lost in traffic and was a bit late.  She arrived a bit flustered and came in the wrong entrance. The person who was to meet her at the entrance couldn't get to her and she ended up trying to talk into the mike stand.  She handled it in her usual self-depreciating way and got a good laugh from the crowd.

She took questions from the audience and even sang a bit of Ethel Merman.  The exciting news was that she is in talks with Hollywood-types to make a movie of "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" and that Reese Witherspoon has expressed interest in playing Ree!

A  few hours later.....Our numbers were finally called and we got to meet Ree.  "I'm from Oklahoma, too!"  I babbled excitedly.  I'm sure she was thrilled.

Actually, she was quite kind.  She had a short conversation with everyone who came up to her and smiled and laughed the entire time.  I'm sure we are best friends now and I'll be invited to the lodge very soon. I mean...look what she wrote in my book!

A Pioneer Road Trip

Today my friend Shelley and I are headed on a road trip to Portland to meet The Pioneer Woman at a book signing.  I can't wait!  I hope to get some good pictures and maybe even see Marlboro Man!

I'll keep you posted!

If you don't know The Pioneer Woman here is her web address:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Puerto Vallerta Zip Lining

Well, we are back from our Mexico trip.  The first port we docked in was Puerto Vallerta where my honey and my big girl went  zip-lining in the jungle canopy. 

They had a blast.  They zip lined from platform to platform, rapelled down, crossed narrow rope bridges and climbed gigantic ladders.

Not exactly my cup of tea. 

I'll stick with shopping.

We Don't Call Her Pretzel-Girl For Nuthin'

Milestones...

...are pretty cool when you Finally turn ten and Dad says you can AT LAST get your ears peirced.


But then the big day is here and uncertainty starts to set in a bit.

Mom! I thought you said it wouldn't hurt! (That's not exactly true. I said "I didn't THINK it would hurt much."

"I'm thinking the one-earringed pirate look is going to be in this year."

"Okay, it was worth it. I love you Mommy" Aaahhh, Mommy/Daughter moments like this make it all worth it. (Mostly).

Scoliosis- An Update

For those of you who have been concerned or have an interest in Big Girl's scoliosis, she went for a check-up at Shriner's on Friday. She has been wearing her night brace faithfully for 12 hours every day and her curve has decreased from 20% to just over 10%. Yea! Great news for her.

Being a worrier I had web-md'd myself into a frenzy over possible full-time bracing or back surgery. How did we parents ever figure out what horrible diseases and ailments are lurking out there ready to pounce on our innocent babies before web-md?

She has to continue using her brace 12 hours a day but doesn't have to go back to Shriner's for 6 months!

The doctor was very proud of her and said it was all her doing...she is such a good patient and a good girl.

For her special reward we took her to Benihana's and to OMSI to see a real T-Rex skelaton. We also took a tour of a real US Navy Sub...that was very interesting.

It was a cold and rainy trip to Portland but it was a beautiful weekend for us!

New Hair-Do Before and After

This is me a few weeks ago helping a boy in my 4-H club make a gingerbread house. Not a great picture but the only one I could find to demonstrate how icky my hair was getting.

I needed a new do. I have been wearing layers for the last couple of years but I'm not usually a fan of layers because of the upkeep. I decided to go back to one length and got a bob to start the process of growing my hair back out. I asked to have my hair lightened but my trusted hairdresser didn't recommend too much lightening and the result was a short bob with lighter highlights and some bangs.

I wish it were longer and I don't think I'll keep the highlights because I don't like to spend hours in the salon every few weeks. I like having bangs again, too. I may get more bangs and go back to my regular dark brown color.

What do you think? And yes, I know I'm in need of some sun. I live in Oregon, what do you expect?