I Got to Meet Pioneer Woman

It has been 8 months since I have written a word on this blog of mine, but due to issues that came up in my pregnancy I just got out of the mood and habit.  Fast forward through these several months and we now have a happy, healthy baby boy.  We welcomed Max Alexander on August 2 and our lives have never been the same.  These have been the most amazing 31/2 months.  One day I may go back and fill you in.

I have been reading Pioneer Woman's blog for several years and watching her Food Network show since it first came on.  I have also attempted to make a lot of her recipes, most of which turned out pretty good.  So when I saw she was doing a book signed tour for her new Holiday cookbook I thought I would see if there would be one within easy driving distance.  I was thinking I would probably have to go to Tulsa.  I was so shocked to see that she was coming to the WalMart in  Rogers.  I was so excited that I would only have to go about 25 minutes to see her.  I immediately told my mom that she was coming and we made plans to be there.

She was scheduled to be there yesterday morning at 11:00.  I thought we would be just fine if we were there by 10:00, which miraculously we were.  I went in and bought my cookbook and there she was already signed books and meeting fans.  The line seemed calm and not too long, until I realized where the end was.



We happily got at the end of the line with my one cookbook.  I thought we would be out of there in an hour, two tops.  I saw other people with huge stacks of books to be signed.  I also saw that people were getting other books besides her brand new one signed so I sent Mike to find one of her Charlie books for Max.  I also picked up her second cookbook along the way.

It didn't take long to realize we were going to be waiting a lot longer than anticipated.  My mom waited in line the whole time while Mike and I would occasionally take Max out of the line to look around.  Max did so well and charmed the people around us in line.  It's amazing how standing in long lines will help you make friends with the people you are standing by.  We were in front of a retired teacher who has a grandson just a few days younger than Max.  A girl behind her spent several months doing an internship at Disney World that we got to hear all about.  I also saw a local blogger that I read, but I was too shy to go up and talk to her.  I did meet another blogger, The Park Wife completely by accident.  She was so sweet and kind to Max. (I wish I had taken his picture with her.)  I sent her an email later to let her know how much I appreciated that.

A big surprise was that my cousin's wife, Melissa, was there.  She drove 3 hours to do some shopping and see Pioneer Woman.  We got to visit with her a little bit.





Finally, after over four hours of winding through women's pajamas, underwear, and socks we got to meet Pioneer Woman and her husband Ladd, AKA Marlboro Man.  They were both so sweet and personable.  I don't know if I could be that nice after signing my name for hours on end.  My little Max definitely stole the show.  They both talked to Max and asked how old he was.  We made a lot of memories and have something to show for our time there.  I was so awe-struck at getting to meet her, but it was more like a quick chat with a friend than meeting a stranger.  Thanks Ree for coming to Arkansas!




She even stopped and made her husband look at Max.  He told her that she could take Max home with her.