The Pioneer Woman, aka Rock Star.

I have been dying to sit down and write about this weekend with my mom and our new friend, The Pioneer Woman. I can't describe how fun it was to have this little road trip with my mom for her birthday. I am so thankful that I have a mom that I can be friends with. What a neat blessing in this life! I pray that Langley and I will be close as she grows up. I hope that I can plan trips for her and her children like my mom does for me. She is very generous in that way. It was a fantastic trip. Thanks, MOM!

We left B-Town Saturday morning in plenty of time to eat, check in the hotel and gawk at the Pottery Barn building right next to our hotel. The book signing started at 6:00, so we headed over to the library about 4:30. I don't think we were prepared for the amount of people that flocked from all over the mid-west to meet Ree. By 4:30, the crowd was sizable and the line was out the door into the parking lot. We gathered up Wit's stroller, a bag of snacks that rivaled any grocery store, our cameras and our PW cookbooks.

This was the line out of the library at 4:30.  It got much, much larger.  Crazy.

It was such a fun experience to wait in line with hundreds of other women. The conversations were buzzing with PW's latest blog posts, recipes, fashion tips and most importantly Cowboy Josh. The funniest quote of the night came from a group of young women in front of us. One of them said, "getting ready to meet Pioneer Woman is way more stressful than a first date!" I agree. I hemmed and hawed over my outfit several times during the week leading up to the signing.

Aren't women funny?

While we waited in line, the library employees headed out in the cold to give us tickets into the building. The tickets represented what group we were during the autographing portion. We were in group 3, out of 12. One couple who had a ticket for group 12 offered my mom $20 to give up her ticket. They asked if both of us really needed to go meet her, or would it be ok if only one of us did. Really, people? Suffice it to say we DID NOT drive 4 hours WITH a toddler for ONLY ONE of us to meet Pioneer Woman.

Sheesh.

Once the doors opened it was a mad rush to get a seat for her presentation. We lucked out because my big, awkward stroller could only go in the side front row. So we were really close to the stage. It was awesome. At that moment, I was so happy that my mom insisted we take Wit.



The tray is for sitting, Mom.  Only babies sit in the seat.



Finally, it was time for her to speak. What a pleasant little ray of sunshine she is! Adorable from head to toe, she stood at the microphone and shook nervously. Immediately I connected with her. She talked about everything from cooking, to blogging, to her dog Charlie, to her fabulous boots. But the one thing that struck me was how real she was. She could have come on stage with her $400 boots and her sassy hair and been ALL THAT. But she wasn't. She was the most approachable person I have ever met. In the middle of her Q&A session she stopped talking and just shouted, "I'm sweaty up here!" A sisterhood was formed right there among 800 women.



A-DOR-ABLE!!  Inside and out.

Her website gets 31 MILLION hits per month because she is so real. She writes from her heart and doesn't try to sell herself as being awesome. Never once did she parade her children's achievements or her busy schedule in our faces. She just talked like you and I would talk. Normal, natural, human connection. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by that.

Someone asked if she wanted another baby.  Here she is looking at Marlboro Man for the answer.

Listening to her answer questions about blogging really inspired me to keep it up this time. Not that I want to ever have a blog that gets that kind of attention, it's not about that. It's about valuing my stories, my children and our life. She said to write honestly everyday. Not try to make every piece epic, just real. People are drawn to real people. She gave me lots to think about regarding passions. You can tell that hers is writing and cooking and family. Again, connection made.

After she spoke, they began to call groups back by number for the autograph portion. This was hilarious because they put her in a fancy room but they left Marlboro Man, her husband's blog name, to fend for himself. You should have seen the crowd of women surrounding him to get his picture. {He was dreamy.} I'm not sure if he planned for all this attention, but he sure got it and more!

My silly mom cropped herself out of this picture. But she was there, too!

I practiced what I was going to say when it was finally our turn at the table, but I was too awestruck to say anything other than, "I love your mixer." (What!?) I drove all the way from B-Town, stood in line for hours and all I could say was, "I love your mixer."

Dummy.

She didn't seem to mind. We had a great one minute talk about her mixer and my toddler. I think she liked him! He was the perfect gentleman for the entire night. Not one tear, or tantrum. I am so proud of my little wingman!

Sweet Wit.  What a trooper for putting up with all these women!

We had a delightful night topped off with The Cheesecake Factory. I don't think it could have been more perfect. The next day we strolled through Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. *swoon*

The only picture my mom would allow of herself on my blog.  You're beautiful, Mom. Don't be too hard on yourself!

Awesome trip. Awesome Mom. Awesome celebrity crush!

And Awesome Skip for having the house clean and kid's homework done by the time we rolled back into town! So thankful for that!

Avoidance is not just a technique. It's a state of mind.

It has become blatantly obvious to me and all the people that live in this house that we are out of food.  Unless you count a half-opened package of northern beans (what?), sweetened condensed milk and saltines.  But that doesn't help me at all when it comes to pleasing little people. 

"Here kids.  Here's your afternoon snack of hard beans and dry crackers.  Wash it down with this really thick, warm, sweet, milk-like substance."

Score.

I thought I would slay the dragon yesterday, so to speak.  I had planned to go to Walmart after the morning activities but then found a bunch of other ways to kill my time.  Plus, I didn't have a list yesterday.  And that's just plain STUPID to go to Walmart without a list.  You might as well give them your $200 as soon as you walk in the door.

So that leaves today, and a list has finally been made. However, the weatherman said it is going to rain today and who wants to schlep a bunch of groceries and a toddler in the rain?  The truth is, it didn't start raining until about 11.  I had plenty of time to go and make it home before that.   But I like to avoid things I don't like. 

It's just who I am.

The avoidance started immediately this morning.  I did some really random things while I waited for the rain to come and give me a reason why I couldn't go. 

• I cleaned out the dog crate. Really?
• I vacuumed the lint filter in the dryer.
• I emptied out the fridge which just made it more obvious that it was indeed, empty.
• I googled correct comma placement.
• Then I forgot what it said.
• I returned some emails and updated my calendar.
• I looked out the window 45 HUNDRED times willing the skies to open up.
• I made sure the TIVO knew which Friends episodes to record.
• I organized the nail polish.  Shocked to find out that I buy the exact same colors every time I buy polish.  Proof that going to Walmart without a list is doomed to failure.
• I wiped out the microwave.  Probably could have scraped all the crud together to make dinner tonight.
• I thought about working out.
• But ended up not doing that. 
• I vacuumed the table and the toddler.
• Then I vacuumed the living room.  Not because I'm awesome, just because I wanted track satisfaction.  You all know what I mean.  If you really want to look like you are working hard, just vacuum.  No one can argue the tracks.
• I took some of Skip's shirts down to iron them, but then I put them back.
• Looked out the window again.
• Took a deep breath and realized that it's not going to rain.
• Took a shower.

After I got dressed and chased Wit down to get him ready, I walked past the window.  Yep, you guessed it...

RAIN.  SWEET GLORIOUS RAIN.

*yes*

Now I have to figure out what to cook using beans, sweetened milk and saltines.  I am sure it will be yummy.  But who cares because IT'S RAINING AND I GET TO AVOID THE STORE UNTIL TOMORROW!

(Ask me tomorrow how I feel about that)

(I am guessing I won't be happy)

(I know the kids won't be happy when they come home to an empty fridge)

(Maybe I can distract them with the vacuum tracks)

On flea markets, road trips and an oxymoron.

I only have a few minutes to squeeze out one of the most random lists you have ever read! If you the type of person that runs when she sees a list, I don't blame you.

Run away!

For the rest of you daring enough to stay. Thank you.  It really means a lot that you would choose to read my randomness.

1. I read the most thought provoking quote the other day from the really funny author of Stuff Christians Like. In a tweet, he said..."Trying to make everyone happy is a great way to make sure you're not. " WOW! Does that resonate with anyone else, or is it just me?  Hello.  My name is Janelle and I am a people pleaser.  I could write a whole book about how this trait has made me miserable over the years.  I want to be more bold in sticking up for myself, or saying the N word (NO!) more often.  Baby steps.

2.  My husband's family is turning one of their B-Town retail spaces into a flea market and antique store.  It's been a passion for my sister-in-law and I think it will be wonderful.  The flair is vintage and shabby chic.  My personal favorite style of decorating.  If you are local and are interested in renting a booth space (if that's your thing!), let me know.  The mismatched plates that I decorate with are getting broken by a certain boy faster than I can wrap the plate holder around a new one.  So, I am definitely excited to do some shopping for my house!

3.  My sweet mom had a birthday last week and she asked me a couple of months ago if I had any interest in a road trip to celebrate.  Um, yeah.  We are heading to St. Louis this Saturday to see  NONE OTHER THAN MY HERO...PIONEER WOMAN!  *scream*  She is on a book tour and we will be standing in line just to have her sign our books.  I. CAN'T. WAIT.  Happy Birthday, me  Mom.

4.  I colored my own hair last week.  Let's just say, you get what you pay for.

5.  My favorite day of the school week is Wednesday.  It's my volunteer morning in both the kid's classrooms.  I love this day and how it makes me feel so productive.  The teachers give me their lists and I race against the clock, throw cookies at the toddler and man-power those machines.  It gives me a thrill to accomplish something.  To actually FINISH something is quite the rush.  Which leads me to my dream job.  I want to be a paid volunteer.  (oh hello, oxymoron)  I could sit in the lounge on M, W, F and have teachers bring me their copy/laminating/office work.  I would love that!  It seems that if I have to please other people, then I will get the work done (see #1).  On the contrary, if I am at home accountable only to myself, the work piles up and multiplies and never gets done.

6.  I love T.V.  Just love it with all my heart.  I don't think I could be one of those people that could ever give it up.  Proud of you if you can, but I would be so sad.  Skip and I love to watch an entire TV series on DVD (or, I guess Netflix as the young people would say).  For me it's like reading a really great book.  Each episode is a chapter in these character's lives.  We started 'House, M.D' in December and tonight we finish up the last episode of season 6.    I really like this series.  If you haven't ever watched 'Prison Break', you should.  Next up, 'Friday Night Lights.'  What is your favorite TV series?

7.  The coffee that I gave up drinking last month?  Yeah, I still don't drink it.  You know what?  I haven't seen the slightest change in my waistline from giving up all that sugar and cream.  NOT THE SLIGHTEST BIT.  It might have something to do with the M&Ms that I have replaced it with.  But, hey.  I don't drink coffee/soda anymore.  That has to be good for something, right?

8.  Did I mention Pioneer Woman?  Yay, me!

9.  I just heard the tiniest voice say that he has to go pee pee in the potty.  Better go make sure he knows what the potty is!

Love you all!

First Person.

Stolen moment while dinner was cooking. He crawled in my lap and wanted to draw. The sweet smell of baby shampoo and innocence rose to meet me. How could I refuse?

Step by {baby} step we drew together.
I talked. He echoed.

Circle.
circle.

One big line.
one big wine.

Two arms.
two ar-ums.

Two legs.
two wegs.

Hair.
hair.

Two eyes.
two ey-uh-zuhs.

One nose.
one nose.

Big smile.
big smile.

Two ears.
two ear-uh-zuhs.

All done!
all done!

May be scribbles to you.  Precious to me.

Valentine fail.

Me left alone all day long with this...

is a very bad thing.

(Look at PW in the background mocking me)

The morning after.

Do I feel the least bit guilty for going to bed and leaving this mess?

Nope. Not at all! My wonderful husband cleaned it up this morning.

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

Happy Love Day. In the PM.

If ever there was a day that was executed perfectly from start to finish, it was this one. Valentine's Day 2011 will go down in history as a very good day for the Miller's.

Everything was perfect...behavior, atmosphere, food, expectations, movie. Everything. I am so proud of my kids for doing their very best to make this a wonderful day for all of us. I am also proud of myself for keeping my expectations in check which could have been a major drag. That is usually my trap on days like this. My expectations are set WAY TOO HIGH and nobody/nothing ever measures up. Then I get grumpy.

Anyone relate?

I fought the urge several times, but managed to keep everything in check. Thank you, LORD! I guess it goes to prove that when momma is happy, everyone is happy!

Our romantic dinner for five was just right. We got all fancy and brought out the good crystal candle holders that only see the light of day at Christmas. Zeb was so worried that Wit would do his usual mass destruction thing and burn the house down. We did have a few close calls, but all is well. The house is still standing! I think the candles made everyone relax and enjoy one another. It was beautiful!

Our menu was easy, but special. I worked hard to think of a meal that would satisfy everyone. The last thing we needed was to have someone upset and eating cereal by candlelight. So I chose...

Salad
Garlic Bread
Pioneer Woman's Shrimp Penne Pasta
Glassblock Jello--if there was ever a recipe you needed to make...this is it! Beautiful.
Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Sheet Cake--OH MY!
Ice Cream
Sparkling White Grape Juice

The menu was fantastic and everyone devoured it.  Which, of course, satisfies my love language of people pleasing.  Yay, family!

Special means Sparkling White Grape juice and fancy crystal.

They felt so grown up!

Even Wit had a glass.  A smaller, less special glass.  But he had one at least!

My Valentines.

Pretty much how he spent the night.  We kept relighting them.  Made his day!

After dinner we put Wit to bed and snuggled in our room to watch this movie. Fantastic!

Happy Love Day. In the AM.

Happy LOVE Day, Everyone! I hope you are enjoying this BRIGHT AND SUNNY day! I know I am!

I had so much fun last night planning a special day for my family. We are going to celebrate our love for one another today. Here's a peek at our Valentine morning. More fun to come tonight!

Love you all so much!

Our chalkboard which I LOVE!  I stole the idea from a great friend, Shelley.  Her chalkboard is TO DIE FOR.  This one is in my kitchen and I usually change it every month.  It's one of my favorite things. 

Setting the table for my Valentines.  This one is for Langley!

Zeb's Valentine.

My five minute LOVE banner.  I heart it. 

So easy and festive!

Ready for breakfast and little loves.

Picture looks like gross, but these are LOVE eggs.  Or, Pirate eggs if we have a big game that day.  Eggs with red food coloring.

They were so happy to use the fancy glasses for their milk!  Clink!

Big, gooey cinnamon rolls with amazing icing.  Yes, please.

The balloons on the light fixture didn't have a chance!

Looking forward to an easy and fun night!

My sleeping angels.

Bedtime is one of my favorite times of the day for two reasons. One, we made it through the crazy day and it's close to the finish line. {Hallelujah!!} And, two, our bedtime ritual is something I cherish. A time to be savored.

On most nights we put Wit down a little earlier than the other kids. He's easy to tuck in. He talks about music class and the snow and friends. Whatever comes to his mind. We giggle and tickle. We pray and kiss good night. Five minutes later, close door and see you in the morning.  It will get harder when he is older to make our nighttime ritual work, but we will adapt.  It will work out.  For now he's easy.

Then we turn our attention to Zeb and Langley. Skip and I have always switched nights with these two.  The nights that I am with Zeb, he is with Langley. Vice versa.

This is their time to be an only child with an attentive parent. No distractions. No noise. No interruptions. No excuses.  The stress of the day is over, melted away.  We can focus one to one.

We spend about 30 minutes with them. This is our time to talk about anything, or nothing. It's our time to address some issues that concern them that maybe they can't share with all the chaos of the day. It's our time to pray, to laugh, to hug, to affirm, to love, to rub backs, or to count freckles. It's our time for whatever.

It's their time to know we care about them. To show them that no matter what happens during the day we love them.   We accept them.  We forgive them.  There are nights when the day has been so stressful and so full of mistakes that all we do is hang on to each other.  And that's ok.

I treasure this ritual and I miss it when we don't have it. It's my hope that even when they have outgrown their bunkbeds and have a curfew that we can still make time for this.

It's my favorite thing about being a mommy...THEIR mommy.

Inside out and backwards.

There is a fun tradition on the eve of a big snow. Wearing your pj's inside out and backwards will ensure that school is canceled the next day. At least there is a 50% chance.  It's silly and fun and special. Waiting for snow days is thrilling. I love seeing my kids hopped up on the forecast and excited about snow days. The look on their faces the next morning is priceless.

Today is our 8th or 15th snow day of the year. Honestly, I have lost count. Between the snow days and 5 sick days, my internal calendar is inside out and backwards.

I have no idea if I am coming or going lately. What is normal? Don't get me wrong, our snow days have been memorable and I am glad to have my kids home.  The days have been full...

Lots of sledding.

Lots of eating.

Lots of gear.

Lots of playing.

Lots of fighting (lots)

Lots of laundry.

Lots of boredom.

Lots of crafts.

Lots of games.

Lots of cookies.

Lots of messes.

Lots of hot chocolate.

Lots of snuggles.

They look just like snow days are supposed to look like with young children.  They have been fun, lazy, maddening, and more.  They have literally zapped me.  All my energy is gone.  My house is a wreck.  My eating is a wreck.  My motivation is in the tank.

I am inside out and backwards.

One day last week I threw in the towel.  I was so angry at being trapped by the snow and trapped by all the work involved in having my darlings home 24/7.  I lost it.  Through my tears I admitted that this wasn't what I expected it be.  I was a nanny in college for a sweet family with two boys.  They were my practice family.  Playing with those boys was everything I thought parenting would be like.  It was easy and fun and HAPPY ALL THE TIME.  I used all my teacher tricks on them and they absorbed it like little sponges.  In my immaturity, I was convinced that I had this parenting thing down long before I was a parent.

Little did I know.  Being with those boys was my job...my 5 hour a day job.  When their mom got home, I left to do who knows what.  Sleep, rejuvenate, read, go to a movie, eat out.  Whatever.  The next day I was refreshed when I picked up those boys from school.  I didn't have the weight of raising them on my shoulders.  I had the privilege of having all the fun.

The things I didn't have with those boys was EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN THE FUN.  The kisses at bedtime.  The bath time snuggles.  The late-night bad dreams.  The morning breath hugs.  The schedule.  The discipline.  The sibling rivalry.  All the stuff that a mommy gets to handle.  The weight of the world.

{Have you ever started writing something and it takes a whole different direction than you intended?  Hello, long random post that wasn't supposed to be all that deep}

I think I realized that it's not  the snow days that have me turned around, it is the intensity of this stage of our lives.  The constant demands of raising young children is hard. 

Soooo very hard. 

I don't really have any answers to this.  I just know that this inside out and backward feeling is fleeting and there will be a day when all the intensity is gone.  And I will miss this.  At least that's what I hear anyway.

So, I better go embrace snow day #8 or 15 and chase around some kids with mixed-up pajamas.  I should probably start by letting them out of time-out.

Ken hitched up the Barbie camper and headed south.

This is what I found in Langley's room tonight.  Clearly, we are all tired of the snow. 

Even the snowman seems indifferent.

Meet George.  He mocks me.

Post Traumatic Snow Disorder