The Pioneer Woman

Before a few months ago I had never heard of Ree Drummond. For those out there that have also not heard of her she is the Pioneer Woman. Every time I hear the word pioneer, my mind immediately goes to two things, the Little House on the Prairie series and Oregon Trail. When I was younger, I loved Little House on the Prairie. I actually still do. I just started rereading the series. It is excellent.

My roommate Natalie recently purchased The Pioneer Woman cookbook. She has made several different recipes, all delicious, and I am now inspired. Ree's cookbook as well as her website are filled with recipes that look so amazing you want to eat your computer. Not only does she have step by step instructions, but also step by step pictures of whatever it is your are making should look like along the way. This seems genius, but so simple in the cooking world. I am always wondering if something looks right while I'm making it.

Anyway, my point to this is, I bought into the craze here among a lot of women in Norman. I made my first pioneer woman recipe, "The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever." It's sitting on the table cooling with all of it's chocolatey goodness. I'm excited to try it. I'll let you know how it is...maybe.

Last Year, This Year and Beyond...

As most of you know, I'm engaged (to be married). For those that didn't know, I'm sorry I haven't blogged about it yet. On December 29th, 2009, Michael asked me to marry him and I said yes!! I am really excited to get to marry my best friend and the greatest guy I know.

After getting engaged, we entered into a whirlwind of wedding planning and life planning. It is strange to actually have to decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life and that whatever it is affects someone else. I am already learning that I am terribly selfish and not a great person. Those are probably good things to be aware of.

So, we got engaged. Set a date. And are now deciding life after marriage. Michael and I are hoping to go to seminary and are in the process of applying and getting things lined up to do that. It is scary, but exciting. I am trying to trust Jesus in all of the planning and preparations for so many life changes. I fail every minute. I am thankful he is gracious and patient and is changing me.

In light of planning a wedding, we will undoubtedly have music and dancing. Which means there will need to be good music so that people will dance. I love dancing...others do not...that is ok, I guess. In your opinion, what are your top 5 songs to dance? They can be anything. We'll more than likely use them.