A Crush

Yesterday while picking up Katelyn I noticed her friends older brother Kaulin,he gave her a hug and handed her two folded pieces of paper. Kaulin is in first grade and his little sister is in Katelyn's class, anyway Katelyn asked me to read her what they said so I figured this was totally share worthy!

Note 1

To Katelyn from Kaulin

You are a cute girl.
Ask your mom to read this to you.
You are loving too.
Also you are kind.
You are a big girl, and you love your friends like me.
Your friend, Kaulin
I love you very much

Note 2

To Katelyn From Kaulin

You are a cute girl.
I like how you smile, it is cute.
Your friend Kaulin


If this is any indication of what the future holds I think we are in trouble. The girl is in kindergarten! There is another little boy in her class, Austin and his mom says all he talks about is Katelyn. His dad is a fighter pilot and we go to church with them, he said "Oh, your Katelyn's mom, Austin talks about her all the time" Tara said "I asked Austin what his favorite part about school was and he said, helping Katelyn reach things" hahaha

I'm putting her little love letters in a box for her, I figure when she's 25 she'll get a laugh out of them.

Kids, they are precious!

Mean Bunnies

Just a quick note from volunteering yesterday in Katelyn's class. Mrs. Murrary asked me to put the kids work into their file. I came across one that didn't have a name but said "I'm scared of mean bunnies" I asked Mrs. Murrary if she knew who's it was and she said I can't remember, so she asked the class. Who raised their hand? Yep, of course my daughter lol. She had to write what she was scared of as part of a Halloween assignment. Mrs. Murrary said "in 11 years of teaching that is the most original thing I've gotten" Welp my daughter is quite creative but I do remember her talking about a bad dream she had a few weeks ago, she said there were mean bunnies chasing her so I guess thats where she got "I'm scared of mean bunnies" Oh that little Roo I love her to death, makes me smile everyday!

Summer is Over

Finally summer is over, the heat has subsided and my little baby girl started school! I can't believe she's already in kindergarten, it seems like yesterday she was crawling around on the floor. She used to be amused by me pulling her around the house in a laundry basket, my how times have changed.

I'll admit I'm a bit lost, not only do I only have her two weeks out of the month but now she's in school all day. I feel my heart sink each week it's her dads turn, being a part-time mom is difficult. When she was two it honestly seemed easier, now she's this little person, full of ideas and questions. Her view of the world is developing and I just feel I'm going to miss something when she's away. Maybe she's going to ask a question that I could explain or offer insight to and I'll never hear that question because she has already asked her dad. I'm sure her father will answer the question just fine but it's the little things you miss when they are away.

I volunteer in her class every other Tuesday and it's a blessing, I love being there seeing her interact with the other kids and answer questions by raising her hand. It's precious to watch her enthusiasm. Hearing her say a littler prayer for the kids that are absent just warms my heart, she's learning at such an early age how important it is to be kind to one another, something I think we are loosing in society. Kids are innocent and they are giving, gracious, kind hearted little spirits that learn terrible things in this world. It's nice to try and keep her sheltered from the world, especially living in Sin City. I'm thankful we are able to send her to such a wonderful school. The tuition is steep but with the help of family and rearranging our priorities it seems to be working out, she's enrolled in a drama program as well and I think we might have the next Dakota Fanning on our hands, she's a pistol we hear. I can't wait to see her play at the end of the year, and I also can't wait to hear her sing in October. The arts are so important and thankfully she goes to music class twice a week at The Lamb of God. So far so good, she's growing up fast. I'm just trying to enjoy each day, and not let her see the tears I shed while watching her grow ;)

These are the things no one can explain to you about raising children, it's tough and when your in the trenches you just want it to pass but at some point you realize life goes by so fast, just enjoy each moment. We are only given a short time to spend with those we love, so hug someone you love and tell them how much they mean to you today.

It's been awhile

Even though I promised myself I wouldn't go a week without blogging, I've failed. Life has gotten very busy lately.

I miss blogging, it's relaxing, a way to free my mind from the stresses of the day. It's also a great way to remember all the little things that happen, those things that seem insignificant but later become precious memories.

I'm taking on the insurance and investment industry, thus my time is spent studying, working or trying to relax. I hope to become better adjusted soon so I can continue blogging on a regular basis.

I'm gonna post Mother's Day pictures and details tomorrow :)

Date Night

Sometimes I wonder about people in Vegas, why do they make plans and then ALWAYS cancel ?

Brent and I were supposed to go out with his co-workers last night. So we waited for 8 o'clock to roll and around, we got ready and were about to hit the door when a text message came through "sorry man, everyones canceled". So since we were already spiffed up, we decided to make it a date night.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a hop, skip and a jump from our front door, so feeling up for a mojito and some fried pickles we set out. We made our way to the bar sat down and waited.....and waited...and waited. Finally the bartender asked for our order, "Two mojito's please" Bartender "Oh....sorry we are out of mojito mix"

GRRRRR ! We wanted to eat with friends, that didn't work, we wanted a mojito and they are out. If they didn't have fried pickles I would've walked out and called it a night! Luckily there was one redeeming factor for staying :)

The bartender offered us the drink menue, now guess which drink was mine and which was his :)

I promise your wrong, he had the apple martini, lol

To pass the time, and have some fun we started playing the trivia game. Apparently it was "senior night" at B-Dub's. We might have known the questions if we were born before 1945. Brent said it was "make you feel like a dumbass night" lol I think the "echofactor" just wasn't on his game. (Don't ask me where he comes up with his names) I did get one question right out of about 60. What was the first SUV made by Subaru? Answer: The Forester. Wahoo, point for me!

This is us, high fiving for getting the Subaru question right, lol

Just trying to make the best of it

Brent said "I look like I'm selling newspapers" lol

Easter Weekend

Easter Sunday 2011 was lots of fun. We had our neighbors and their boys over. Justin and Brent hid Easter eggs for the big hunt after dinner.

Veronica made a splendid ham, it was the best! I made sides, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and chocolate covered strawberries. :)

Of course the kids were on sugar highs after they found all the candy, here's some pictures of the day and a video of Katelyn and her attitude.

Brent ironed and then folded the napkins, our table looked beautiful

Louie told Katelyn he wanted an egg she found, this is her response

Where did she come up with that ?

Here are some funny things Katelyn has said the past few days.

Today;this courtesy of her father

"Tomorrow is PJ day at school and I need to bring a stuffed animal to sleep with, you think you can hook that up Dad?"

When he text this to me I started laughing, the kid should be in movies.

Yesterday at my house

"The other day when I was at Daddy's I picked out a cute outfit for school and I think I was totally rockin it"

She said this with total attitude, it wasn't "rocking it" it was "rockin it"

Finally last night I was trying to help her with the nightly routine of brushing her teeth. I went in to help put the toothpast on so I didn't have to clean the entire counter this morning she says to me;

"Chill mom, I got this"

Oh the joys of having an assertive, spunky, adorable 4 year and 10 month old !

She's my daughter, attitude and all!

Wine Night

Just an FYI about German Reisling's

Don't buy anything you see in this picture !

Brent was very thoughtful Thursday night and brought home a wonderful bottle of Reisling. It was so yummy we decided to go buy wine together, a first! We hit Smith's Grocery Store because of convenience. Well, we paid for that convience, 50 bucks and 6 bottles of wine later we realized we'd made a huge mistake. Not one, not two, but 5 bottles of wine were terrible. We took them to our friends house for a "wine tasting" and by the 5th bottle we were all cracking up, I couldn't stop laughing. Talk about an epic fail. Our first clue should've been each bottle was a twist top, lol. Obviously Brent and I were feeling confident since his first pick was so yummy.

Lesson learned, thank goodness our friends had two awesome bottles of Stella Rosa :)

Needless to say we poured our stinky, crappy, bitter wine down the drain.

Month of the Military Child

April is "The Month of the Military Child" so the CDC (child development center) had tons of special activities planned.

There was a bike-a-thon, a spaghetti dinner night, an art auction and many more.

That giraffe on a bike is Brent :)

Planning a Birthday

The time is fast approaching, my little Roo will be 5 !

I can't believe it, time flies when you have kids. My little baby is gonna be a big girl starting school this year, sad and exciting all at the same time.

Little Roo has never had a "real" birthday party. It's always been adults with a few kids and a cake. This year I'm actually throwing her a PARTY, complete with favors, candy, games and lots of fun. I figured I'd save my money for her 5th birthday since there is a possibility she could actually remember it!

When I asked her what kind of birthday party she wanted I was expecting "hello kitty or Barbie" nope she wants a horse themed party. Gosh, she really is my daughter, lol. Like mother like daughter, so I'm super excitied about "our" horse party.

Now onto cake ideas...........

I think I'm going to have her a pink barnyard themed party. Maybe we will rent some ponies for the kids to ride :) (poor ponies)


Maybe a layered cake with green fondant and a barnyard theme. Here's some ideas I've found on google.

Cross Country

It's been awhile since my last post and I have good reason. My mom and left for Kentucky on April 1st. We drove 28 hours back to Marshall County :( It's a long drive! I made some notes of memorable moments while on the journey.

We left around 6 am on Friday the 1st, we decided to take I-40 through AZ,NM,TX,OK,AR,TN and then I-57 through MO, IL and finally KY. Pew, I'm tired just from writing all the states. With all that time I learned a few things. There are more Dairy Queen's in New Mexico and Texas than all states combined, I believe. No matter what exit you pass in those two states there is a sign for a DQ. My guess is everyone hates the drive and ice cream makes people happy....????

Just so everyone is clear the iPhone on the AT&T network doesn't work on most of I-40. If your going to have an emergency make sure it's within a few miles of a major city ;) Why do I pay 173 bucks a month for a phone I can't use in half the country? Also, the edge network is about as fast as snail mail, how on earth could I live without 3G ?

I learned my mom has more road rage than I do, she needs a bumper with padding so she can just push people out of the "fast" lane. I honestly thought we might go to jail, lol. Don't drive 55 mph on an interstate where the posted speed limit is 70, especially in the fast lane. I don't know maybe that isn't covered on the divers test out West, thats my only guess.

Our average speed, lol

We passed more than a few "bates motels". Someone explain to me why you would stop at a motel 10 miles from a major city to stay in a place that looks like an episode of criminal minds. Why wouldn't you just drive five more minutes and hit the Best Western? I don't have a clue but I'm not interested in having some guy stare at me through a peep hole or worse. I'll keep driving, thanks :)

I would equate the car ride to that of a covered wagon, it was so loaded down we had no "travel" the shocks are ruined I'm certain. While thinking of how the car rode I actually started thinking about the poor souls who came out West in covered wagons. What was wrong with those people? No wonder I feel like people on the West Coast are crazier than those on the East, obviously they had to be, otherwise why would you leave a perfectly good piece of land for the desert. My vote is insanity, thats why the good, kind, sane folk reside East of the Mississippi :)

Mom and I found ourselves a lovely establishment for a pit-stop. Waffle House, and not just any Waffle House, I think it was the first to be built. I apparently lack the skills necessary for opening those tiny coffee creamers, somehow mine exploded and you'd think I shot my mom with a gun. She gasped and said "what was that" with this dumfounded look on her face. Honestly I don't know what happened but the creamer was everywhere except my coffee. :(

The awesome Waffle House, complete with orange and brown accents

Mom, after she gathered herself from my explosive coffee creamer

In Texas we saw the largest cross I've ever seen. (Well I've seen it about 6 times from driving cross country)

Oklahoma Sunrise

Where the green grass grows.......

When we were only an hour from home we discovered the bridge from Sikeston MO to Wickliff KY was closed. You'd think they'd put the "bridge closed" sign at the beginning of the road instead of the entrance to the bridge......nope I drove for 20 minutes down a two lane road to discover I had to turn around and go through Cairo, IL. For those local folks you know the reason I didn't want to drive through Cairo, for everyone else I'll post pictures for you to see. My suggestion to to MO road department, put the sign at the beginning of the road, that'd be a big help.

Inviting downtown Cairo

Sad Day

Today we attempted to adopt the most adorable rescue puppy. He was 12 weeks old, and last night we introduced him to Sebastian, there were no problems! It was perfect, but today Sebastian wasn't having it :( We had already named him, bought him food, and he even went to base today to eat lunch with "daddy"

We have amazing friends who are the most giving, incredible dog lovers you'll ever meet. They actually rescued the little guy, and are searching for him a home. We thought we would be his forever home, I'm very sad Sebastian didn't want a friend :( I know our friends will find him the perfect home, they wouldn't have it any other way. I just very much wish he could've been the newest member of the Michel clan.

Hugs and Kisses "Patton", you touched our hearts in two short days. I'll never forget those floppy ears and blue eyes. You were the most loving, sweet, CALM, puppy I've ever met.

Gluten Free and Me

So I've been to the doctor 100's of times, with what seem to be random symptoms of just feeling like a Mack Truck hit me. Every single time I get a different answer. Here is a rundown of what I've been told.

-Depression
-Anxiety
-Migraines
-IBS
-Ulcerative Colitis
-Ulcers
-Acid Reflux
-Athritis
-Colitis

Thats just what I can remember. Well I've been doing my own research and thankfully one of my bestfriends is a nurse practicioner, she offered this idea to me, I could have a gluten allergy. Based upon my research I've considered this as well, it's very hard to diagnosis.

It's been 3 days and I've had NOTHING with gluten in it, I feel amazing! My tummy isn't in knots, I don't feel bloated, I'm not tired, I don't wake up and go to bed with a headache. Again it's only been three days, I can't imagine who wonderful I will feel in a month.

I'm also very lucky to have such a wonderful husband, he's going gluten free as well, just to make my job as the chef a little easier :) I think we'll be a healthier family. Granted I'm not excited about giving up some of my favorite foods and resturants but I'll do whatever to feel this good. Brent also orderd me "gluten-free for dummies" a book to help me on my journey.

I've already learned so much, gluten is in almost everything. Just because it doesn't say "gluten" on the ingredients doesn't mean it's not in there. I've learned so many other things mean gluten. I'll make a list and post them later.

Today Katelyn and I checked out the Commissary on base, there is ONE section in the store with gluten free products. The biggest problem is baking, I'll have to find what works best. Soy flour or one of the many other varrieties for people with celiacs disease. I've read the breads made without gluten are horrible, so I figure I'll use corn tortillas if I need a sammie.

Here is my biggerst concern, what am I going to eat on this cross country drive back to KY ? I've googled fast food resturants that have gluten-free products, and the pickings are slim folks. Did you know salad dressings contain gluten. Looks like I'll have to pack my own and order plain salads from McD's.

Wish me luck !

Strawberry Cheesecake

Today I decided to make "The Perfect Cheesecake"! A recipe I found in "I heard it from a friend"

I must confess, this is the cheesecake I blogged about a few days ago. I'm happy to report this time around it's almost perfect. I also customized the recipe and added fresh strawberries. I used my Vitamix blender (which is amazing, the same kind used at Jamba Juice) to blend 10 perfectly ripe strawberries. The juice was bright red, sweet and perfect! I added this mixture to my cheesecake filling. YUMMY ! After an hour and 15 minutes I took the cheesecake out of the oven, OOPS---FAIL ! I didn't read the entire recipe, step 8 of the 10 steps clearly states "turn the oven off after the hour and 15 minute cooking time and leave the cheesecake in the oven to cool" :( Besides the middle falling a bit, I'm happy to report it's cooked perfectly :)

I'm working on perfection for the next time, third times a charm, lol

Strawberry Mixture going into filling :)

Those Silly Boys

Yesterday best pals; today not so much.

Tonight we are watching our dear friends boys while they attend an Air Force function. Last night Katelyn stayed over at their house, and from the report Veronica gave, they were great. Tonight Louie is at our house and things are a bit rocky, lol

Katelyns burst into tears on more than one occasion, saying "I just want Louie to be my friend" Hearing those words from your precious (perfect, in your eyes) little girl brings the toughest of mommies to their knees.

We all know they are friends; it's an innocent spat between a 4 and 5 year old, but the tears are real, the plea's she explains makes my heart melt. So I had to devise a plan, we've never really dealt with this before, in true mommy superhero fashion I said "Let's go Katelyn, who needs boys anyway. Let's watch a movie and pop some popcorn" Her eyes full of water and a tear running down her cheek, she agreed.

While downstairs I decided she needed a pep talk, honestly I thought the advice I was sharing was for her teenage years, not now! I told her, if you ignore him, and act like you and mommy are having lots of fun then he'll want to come back downstairs. What do you ya know, mommy was right :) Thank goodness! I didn't want to let her down, I was actually worried my plan might not work, lol. Within a few minutes Louie was saying "Katelyn, what are doing?" "I wanna come eat popcorn and watch the movie" I winked at her, whispered in her ear and smiled. I told her "Now you tell him he can't watch the movie and eat your popcorn until he says he's sorry" Like her spunky usual self she said "Now tell me your sorry for being mean" all this with her head a little sideways and a hand on the hip.

Thats my girl ! Mommy mission accomplished, I have a feeling more tears will be shed soon with school starting in August. :(

Post Fallout, mission accomplished

I just happened to catch these, OMG !
(Sebastian's waiting for the crumbs)

Remember when your mom always said things like this "I'm so sorry honey, mommy wishes she could take your pain away, if she could she would" or "It hurts mommy more than you, or as much as you" I always wanted to say "bull$#@!" Today I know thats true.

Girls Day

Today was so much fun, Katelyn and I went to Town Square for a girls day. We met some wonderful people, painted pottery and had lunch. I'm so thankful for great friends and girl time, but a cranky 4 year old always makes things a bit more difficult.

Now I can be honest; I'm exhausted. Katelyn has been sick for a week, she has a double ear infection and her asthma is acting up. Poor girl, her tubes fell out three weeks ago and we're already back to the doctor and on antibiotics. She just hasn't been herself all week, she's very cranky and it's either her way or the highway. I know I'm supposed to be super mom, but when I got her home today, I kinda felt like having a meltdown myself. It's been a week of long nights, early mornings, endless complaints, doctors appointments and battles over medicine. These are the things books about parenting never tell you, your going to have bad days. Some days your going to cry yourself to sleep, your going to feel shame, your going to need a moment to just recharge. Does it make you a bad mom, I hope not. If it does, I'm at the top of the terrible mommy list. Sometimes we just need an hour to find our patience again, at least I do. So when we made it home, Katelyn took a short nap and headed to the neighbors house to play. The hubby and I were going to have a date night, instead we ran to Roberto's for some yummy, and oh so unhealthy grub, watched the Wildcats kick Ohio State's booty and now I'm laying in bed with my laptop. The husband's logging time on the Xbox, which would usually bother me, but he needs it. Mommy had a meltdown and he had to deal with it, I say free Xbox time for that :)

I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful friend as a neighbor, she has been there through so much. In the Air Force "home is where the Air Force sends you" and "friends are family"

Katelyn with Louie, having a midnight snack. They really are best buds; it's cute

Watching cars, after mommy brought over her breathing machine, pj's and toothbrush

"I heard it from a Friend"

Something I learned today; you can not bake a "real" cheesecake without a spring form pan, and Martha Stewart isn't the domestic diva we all think she is, sometimes she's wrong! Why didn't the glass of water keep my cheesecake from cracking, huh Martha ?

"I heard it from a friend" is my new favorite cookbook. Don't rush out to the store, this baby is a one of kind. It was made in 1993 by the ladies of The First Baptist Church in Calvert City, KY. I found this and "Adventures in Microwave Cooking." I guess I'm like those guys on American Pickers but I did my picking in my moms storage shed while helping her pack for a cross country move to KY. I don't exactly know what type of adventures I'll have in microwave cooking, but apparently in the 70's when it was published you needed a guide for using those futuristic machines. Something tells me they didn't have Pizza Rolls and Easy Mac back then, but honestly why else would anyone have a Microwave ? lol

I've found some great Southern classic in "I heard it from a friend" you don't find these in Martha Stewart Living. Let me just tell you, the reason everyone likes a Southern womens cooking is this; we use sugar as an ingrediant in any recipe and if all else fails; we fry it. Sounds terrible I know, but it's just the way we do things down South. When your momma makes pasta sauce with 2-3 tabelspoons of sugar, of course you'll be begging for more. :) I never said we were healthy.......

Herbal Tea and Toothpaste Practically Free

Courtesy of coupons I purchased toothpaste for $.85 and some yummy tea for $.40. I'd say thats a coupon success story.

I'm learning the prices of food, what they usually are and what qualifies as a "sale". If anything I feel like an educated shopper. I'm also happy to report couponing at the commissary (base grocery store) is probably the easiest place to take up this adventure. You'll just be strolling along and find tons of coupons attached to products, and there is a little counter when you enter that has coupon books, or promotional packets with extra coupons. Thus when I come back next time, complete with my baseball binder of coupons, I'll have even more to add. Many of these coupons are military exclusive, JACKPOT :)

You really can save tons of money with coupons when products are already on sale, like my toothpaste for example. Sale price $1.85 and with a $1.00 off coupon I made out like a bandit.

Why The Pink House ?

I decided to name my blog "Roo's Pink House" because my little girl has the most incredible imagination. She creates her own little world from the backseat of our Jetta strapped into a brown and uninspiring carseat. Instead of telling her she doesn't have a pink house in the mountains with a pink car and horses around, I help her add more to the idea. Her innocence, passion and love for all things pink inspire me to let go and have a little fun. Sometimes we are quick to correct children, telling them those things don't exist. Trust me, they'll figure out the harsh reality of life soon enough. I say encourage them, let their minds run wild, it's a time to create the impossible. Who knows we might learn something from them, like how to have a little fun and not sweat the small stuff.

Couponing and Costco

All of our friends say I should be a Costco spokeswomen, there isn't a thing I don't like about the place. Great quality, great prices, cheap glasses and eye exams, yummy food, friendly workers and a return policy that is like none other! I also hate Wal-Mart so Costco is the place to go. :)

This is my problem, I'm trying to convert to the coupon way of life, weekly shopping trips and dollars saved at the check out line but I can't do this if I own a Costco card. The place is like heaven, the products are always on rotation and no matter what season it is, I need something from there. Lucky for me Costco mails me coupons every couple of weeks to let me know why I should come back. However there is no need, when your daughter can read "Costco" at 4 there might be a problem or slight addiction, lol These coupons are not krazycouponlady worthy, 2 bucks off a 20 dollar purchase isn't enough for those ladies. It looks like my conversion to the "krazy" way may be harder than I thought.

How can you pass up family time topped off with $ 1.50 hot dog and drink ? Don't forget the hand dipped ice cream bar with almonds for $1.35 :)

I'm still on the road to couponing...............if I can stay away.

www.costco.com

If your not familar with Costco I suggest you check out the website.

A Coupon Adventure

The previews for the new TLC show "Extreme Couponing" have inspired me to take up the practice. Now when I say extreme I mean serious business. The advice given on thekrazycouponlady.com warrants two full size baseball card binders, which hold 30 pages a piece. If your going to save money ladies, you must tackle couponing with a plan. Apparently you need to spend an hour and a half a day clipping, organizing, and comparing those coupons to the sale circulars. Thank goodness for the website, otherwise my adventure would be over before it started :) On the website the ladies create a list and match coupons with the sale circulars for that given week, and there are many stores to choose from.

I'm starting my 10 day conversion to the Krazy Coupon Lady way today. I'll be giving updates, so follow along. I'm sure it'll get interesting. If I get free toothpaste and boxes of cereal for .75 you better believe I'll convert to the coupon way :)