The Pioneer Woman Came to Texas and Touched My Hand!

Yesterday we had record breaking snows in Houston. But that post will have to wait, because today.....

WE GOT TO MEET THE PIONEER WOMAN!!!!!!!

"I love her! I love her so much you hate her

compared to how much I love her!"

Months ago, when her book tour was very first announced Tiffany found out that The Pioneer Woman was coming to Houston. From that moment, this Saturday has been golden. Nothing, not even a one day sale at Kroger, could stop the four us from getting to this book signing. Tonia got our tickets in advance, saved us seats hours before The Pioneer Woman was to get there, and we all waited.

Yup, that's me. Leggings McGee.

And while we waited I took a picture of my leggings. Jeff hates leggings-but I love them. Since he wasn't there, I decided to wear them. And also while we waited they handed out door prizes. Just as we were trying to figure out how people were winning this stuff, Tonia's name was called. Whoever put their name down for the tickets was entered. Go Tonia! She ran up there really fast to get her prize. Really fast. She got a really nifty goody bag full of surprises. While she looked through her bag they explained how the signing was going to go, how we weren't allowed to push or fight, and that we couldn't line up unless the orange man said we could. Then we sat some more and ate chicken salad.

.... Until....

The Pioneer Woman walked out from behind the plastic curtains and sat in her throne in front of the canned peas and soy milk. I would have more pictures, but I took a lot of video. We got to ask some questions.

"Boxers? Or briefs?"

.... "Boxers. ...If anything!"

Ree spoke to the crowd for a while. How is it possible that someone can be such a good cook and still so skinny? I always hear, "Never trust a skinny cook." But, I think I'll make an exception. She's too cute. And then she started signing books. Her book signings take longer than most, instead of being shuffled through the signing part at break neck speeds, The Pioneer Woman talks to you and makes you feel like you're the only one in the room of a million other fans. And it's totally worth it. We were about 100th in line so we hung out with our fellow fans some more. And while we waited, I drew this. It's Marlboro Man's goatee. This lady made scrumptious cookies and knitted. And this lady brought her baby, even though she wasn't allowed to. Isn't he a doll??? I want one just like him in my stocking for Christmas. And then that magic moment came. I got to meet The Pioneer Woman!!! ... My mind drew a blank and every witty comment I had went out the door. My stomach flopped and nothing that made sense came out of my mouth. All I could do was smile, and giggle, and confess my undying love for her over and over and over. It was pretty pathetic. But, she touched my arm and told me that picture was beautiful so I don't care how dumb I sounded. ... I'll never wash that arm again. Tiffany made her a beautiful necklace with her and MM's names, "Ree and Ladd" on it. Although, as soon as we got towards the front of the line she decided to slip it in the goody box of other love offerings quietly and not show her how adorable it was. That's OK, I think you see pictures here.

Suzanne smiled for a photo for the first time since I've known her-and remained calm and collected. Thank goodness she drove us there.

And then Tonia got a turn. They discussed butter. We were all pretty exited by this point.

Not only did we get to meet The Pioneer Woman, but she gave us the CUTEST t-shirts. I was so excited I put mine on right away. And then, just like that, our moment with The Pioneer Woman was gone. ... like the last piece of Texas Sheet Cake....

We were all still smiles, and even though we watched her sign the books (and told her what to write), we still had to gaze at her fabulous writing. Just in case it was slightly different from when she signed it moments ago.Tonia asked her to add Texas to the Chocolate Sheet Cake. The Pioneer Woman explained that it isn't quite Texas Sheet Cake because she's changed the butter ratio. Or something like that. But, she obliged Tonia anyway because she's sweet like that.

So a big thank you to The Pioneer Woman for coming to Texas, more specifically Houston, and for making today such fantastic day. And a big thank you to my fabulous sister, sister-in-law, and friend for getting it all together... :) Today was super great and I'll always cherish my cook book and this memory. And someday, maybe I'll even cook from it... once I figure out how to turn on the stove.

December 13 update: There's a picture of ME... ME??? On her site... OMG I almost peed my pants this morning when my sister called to tell me to go and check her site.... here's a picture of her taking the picture here! And thank you for all the nice things people have said about the drawing-I'm not a professional... you've made my day! And yes, if you want a drawing I can do one for you! Just email me at tewcute*at*gmail*dot*com!