btmwest

We are mother (Teresa) and daughter (Mikayla), who enjoy getting snail mail together, and learning about other places and people.

Our birthdays: Teresa's in April 1974 and MIkayla's in September 2007.

We live in Lafayette, LA, in the Heart of Acadiana. The heritage of our city is based on the Acadians who came from France and settled in this area. Good food, music, and fun times are easy to find here!

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!" is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" It strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" ("joy of living") attitude that pervades south Louisiana. Many associate it mostly with New Orleans, but it is a favorite saying anywhere's in the state.

Music is another very important thing to both of us. If the radio isn't on, then we're singing songs or dancing! But then, we live down in south Louisiana, home to zydeco and jazz! Music is in our soul!

Some of our favorites: Teresa (mother): I have eclectic tastes - current hits, classical, new age, classic rock, just about anything.

Mikayla (daughter): Laurie Berkner Band, Disney, Kid Bop, current radio hits

We both LOVE to read. In fact, the bookstore was one of the first stores Mikayla recognized when she was just a little toddler! Besides going to the bookstore, we enjoy the library, and also looking for good books at local garage/yard/estate sales when we are able to go on weekends.

Some of our favorites: Teresa (mother): Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery

Mikayla (daughter): Barbie, Winx, Ever After High, American Girl, Captain Underpants, Marvel, DC Comics, Pokemon

We enjoy doing crafts together - painting, making hair ribbons, coloring, making friendship pins and swaps, cooking to name a few! While we might not get a chance to do much during the week, on weekends, we have fun!

Since it was pointed out to me, I'd like to note that my daughter may do child-related swaps by herself. Other swaps, I do with her slight input - picking colors, papers, subjects where applicable, etc. But I am the one who puts the swaps together generally. One might say I do exert some slight veto power on any of her ideas that do not look right and such. :) Hope this clears up some confusion and perhaps unease about possibly swapping with me/us! :)

Our family is a part of the Frontier Girls, Troop 157, here in Lafayette, LA. It is a Scout-;ike youth program for girls offered as an alternative to Girl Scouts. "If you see a need, take the lead." The avatar we use is from the Frontier Girls -- The star in the center represents the patriotism that our girls have for their country. The hearts around the edges represent the character expected from each girl. The hands within represent being prepared to lend a hand in any situation.

We work on badges both with our troop and as a family. One of the reasons we got involved with Swaps was to fulfill criteria for our Post Card Badge! :)

If you'd like more information on Frontier Girls, please take a look at their website:

http://frontiergirlsclubs.com/

I thought I should add this, since we have participated in a few Pocket Letters and such now:

If you wish to send us anything with scent, please keep it to vanilla, cucumber melon, or light fruit flavors -- the husband is allergic to things highly floral, cinnamon, or such.

As for tea, I don't drink anything but iced tea, but the husband will drink mint, spearmint, and green, so they would get passed to him. :)

If you're looking for any particular preferences for things like postcards....

We like anything! :) No real preferences! Something pretty, something unusual, store bought, hand-made. Anything! :)

My one small note would be nothing too gross or 'adult' since I do share this collection with my daughter. :)

I always send out my swaps on time - if I cannot get it out on time, I will message you and let you know! If you, for some reason, have not gotten a swap from me, PLEASE PLEASE let me know before rating! I will be glad to resend if need be!

As for me rating others, I generally rate everything the day it comes in the mail and I can get to my computer. If I haven't rated you on something, it's likely because I have not gotten it in!