Cy Greyson Houck

We had our little one last Friday on Jan 6th --which happened to be my late grandma Huhn's birthday!

Here is a little about the name...

Cy-- Contrary to what most people thing Cy did not come from our love for the Cyclones. Cy's name came from the great pitcher Cy Young. Ryan had always liked the name & suggested it to me awhile back & we both fell in love with it.

Greyson-- This name came from a CD we saw from a youtube sensation. We saw it and immediately knew we wanted to use it.

If Cy would of been a GIRL the name would of been Piper Jo Houck. We don't like reusing names so we'll retire the name Piper. :-)

Cy is doing great, he is a laid back baby & Tucker is slowly adjusting to life with a little brother. Wednesday morning he asked when the baby was going home... but other than that he loves his little brother! We're still adjusting to life with two little munchkins & getting sleep in when we can. We've been blessed with so many great family/friends who have dropped off meals or thoughts of love. THANK YOU!

etsy love

Since i've had alot of time on my hands lately I thought I'd show you some fun stuff I either got for Christmas or bought myself with Christmas money. :-) It's what I got to call my current loves of the moment.

1st.
My little sister HALEY surprised me when herself & another friend MADE me my shower curtain I drooled over a few months back. They were selling on etsy for around 140.00 & she REMEMBERED that & took on this little domestic project! I LOVE IT!! I'm waiting to paint the bathroom before I put it up, I'm thrilled with how it turned out!!

Here is a picture of it mid process:

Here is the finished project in her friends Kendra's bathroom to show what it looks like. Didn't they do a good job? Thanks ladies!!

p.s. Kenra's blog is http://kendragustafson.blogspot.com/
my sister haley's blog: http://fancy--that.blogspot.com/

2nd: My OTHER sister Carly remembered how I adored this address stamp & got it for me for Christmas. LOVE IT! Can't wait to have an reason to use it soon!

P.S. the seller on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/foryoo?ref=seller_info

3rd: a new keychain holder so I can find it in my purse/diaper bag easier!

4th: This cute basket I got on clearance from an etsy store. I am hoping to go all vintage Christmas ornaments next year, like this...

I've seen 'em at garage sales for like .50Cents before so I'm hoping I'll get lucky this year & score enough to decorate our tree! So when I saw this basket, I HAD to get it :-)\

4th: I am excited to write some thank you notes on these bad boys...

{for the record, I'm really seeing how she made them to copy 'em!}

P.S. http://www.etsy.com/listing/85739263/stationery-thank-you-cards-set-with

then lastly I am excited for a daily clean list for each day of the year with Bible verses. Now, to be completely honest it is Jan 4th & I haven't done ONE day yet, but I'm excited to dive into once I get back to "normal" as a mother of two without a pregnant belly!

Motivated Mom is like the Dave Ramsey of home cleaning!!!

Click here to see what I'm talking about http://www.motivatedmoms.com/products.html
(if you are interested in trying this out don't spend your pennies I'd love to mail you a pdf for 2012!)

Quick Baby Update

Went in Friday morning for a non-stress test, 24 urine analysis & ultrasound & blood pressure check. We thankfully found the bed rest is helping (as my blood pressure went WAY down--even back to normal ranges!) I am really starting to go CRAZY with bed rest, but know it's the best for the baby & me. Its hard watching our little tornado tear apart the living room & helpless against the clean up! :-) Thanks for all your prayers! I go back in Tuesday morning for another round of the same sort of tests, so time will tell. Again, they'd like to keep this little peanut in until Thursday Jan 5th, so time will tell! I'm getting a little anxious to go through birth again, but know the end result will be well worth it. I love visitors so please feel free to stop by!

A few of my favorite things {2011}

With the end of 2011 coming up, I thought I'd show you the products I am loving right now...

Yep, the Hann steam mop. LOVING this still. I makes doing the floors SO STINKING easy & actually fun! (who knew!) My sister {Carly} was over the other night & now has it on her wishlist as well. Comes in mighty handy with a toddler!

Body Pillow: A pregnant girls best friend! I love it & could not sleep as well as I've been sleeping without it.

Diet Mountain Dew {caffeine free} for a girl who loves her dt. dew, this caffeine free stuff has been so nice as a good sub until I get the real stuff again.

'
Bubble Baths: take at least 2-3/week the last few months to help ease my lower back pain I've been having associated with the pregnancy. There is something about it, so stinking relaxing!

And lastly, RYAN. He has been the BIGGEST help around the house the last few months when I haven't been feeling the best from helping to put my socks on or taking an extra poppy diaper (or 5) for the team. I married one awesome guy!

the busiest month to date

The busiest month to date for our little appraisal business was the month Tucker was born. I started labor with Tucker @ 10 pm & labored 2 hours @ home before we headed to the hospital. I have a vivid memory of Ryan working in between contractions & me calling him on my cell phone every time I had a contraction to be there to hold my hand. (his office was in the basement at the time) I remember putting in LOTS of hours with Tucker those first few months as he worked tirelessly (without complaining) sometimes putting in 17 hour days. {not unusual for that time of year} I am very proud of the fact ryan has NEVER gotten up with Tucker to do a feeding in the middle of the night, even when I was only getting 1-2 hours of sleep a day because little T-man was a "difficult sleeper" the first 10 weeks! :-) So, fast forward a few years with THIS pregnancy. I was super excited to have a WINTER baby (usually a slow time in the appraisal business) well, that all went out the door yesterday. While I am so stinkin' excited for Ryan ( & our business) he just got 17 appraisal orders yesterday, all due Jan 23rd. Not to mention it's already a busy time of year with Christmas, New Years & throw newborn in the mix! But, I am thankful I know I can make it through it, & hopefully be able to laugh about it again in a few years! Lord, thank you so much for ALL your blessings, no matter what the timing may be!

2 goals I need to get back on.

With the arrival of a new little one in a few short weeks & our expenses only about to get bigger, I've felt really convinced to get better at two areas to help our finances.

1.) Couponing: I still coupon, but only on a small scale. When I started working back in Sept of 2010 I stopped because of the time commitment my job took. But, now that I haven't worked since March, I really need to start it up again. I want to start it up & do it to save money for our family, but not be like those super obsessed ladies on those coupon shows! :-)

2.) Menu Planning: I was SO good at this before I got pregnant this past time, I've never understood that old wives tale of "pregnant & barefoot in the kitchen" because when I'm pregnant the LAST place I want to be is in the kitchen:-) Sometimes certain smells can just turn your stomach in a way that cooking/baking just sounds horrible. I've been getting better about this the last few weeks again, but I'm hoping this will only continue!

Will let you know how I'm doing!

big brother class

Last Thursday night Tucker attended a big brother class offered at our local hospital. It was so much fun seeing him "learn" how to be a big brother. :-) The highlight of his night was when he got to hold the fake baby. He had the biggest smile on his face. They learned how to hold a baby, how to change a baby & where they'll go meet the new baby. Daily we ask him if the baby is a boy or girl and he always says "baby siiisser' so we've got three votes thinking its a girl over here...time will tell!

I'm going to warn you...

...you're going to cry if you watch this video.
but it is too good not to share.



Told ya.
I'm going directly upstairs & giving my little guy the biggest hug and kiss.

the big 3-0!

Today I turned 30!

Ryan did such a great job of making me feel so special! He made my favorite breakfast, found childcare for T-man for the day, had a massage scheduled , Christmas shopping, Christmas light looking with T-man, out to lunch at my favorite place & dinner with some great friends! I could not have asked for a better day! I remember when I was a little kid asking my parents what they wanted for their birthdays and they would ALWAYS say, 'Obedient & healthy kids' and I remember thinking HOW LAME! I told Ryan today I feel more mature because all I wanted was 'obedient & healthy children.' Funny how that changes. I loved my twenties but can't wait to see what my 30's bring!

Best birthday to date & my last birthday as a mother of 1! (Lord willing!)

our little home

I love our little home on walnut, i really do.

but with the addition of another little one shortly I'm quickly

having to get really creative on where to find places for things.

This little 2 bedroom 1 bath home is about to have 2 adult, 2 children

& a home office! We've really struggled without a garage (with all Ryan's

fix it tools) 1/2 a basement with a 1/4 of it used for our home office.

No pantry, no coat closet, & no bathroom closets! For this girl who

can't stand clutter finding places for everything without feeling like the

walls are coming in is a challenge! We plan to be here for awhile (at this

point thinking 5 years--shocker for movers like us!) This week I've come to the

conclusion that the two bedrooms have to be functional, not pretty. And that is

okay, for now. Since we've moved 7 times in our marriage I've never really felt

"settled" in a home we've lived in. This is my chance. I'm actually going to be

painting my kitchen, breakfast nook & bathroom.... and I'm NOT going to be painting

them real estate beige! I have a chance to make it feel like us! I'm super

pumped about that. Anyways, thanks for "listening" to me vent, in the grand scheme

of things this is SO little because I have everything I need: a loving husband &

a happy little 2 year old & a healthy little one on the way! Thank you Lord for

many blessings you give me every. single. day!

Better Homes & Gardens Magazine

TODAY ONLY!

{I will be snagging my mom this for a stocking stuffer--C & H don't get it for mom! Good thing she doesn't read my blog! :-) }

Here’s another special magazine offer that I think many of you will really like…and this offer is good through Monday Dec. 5th at midnight, you can grab Better Homes and Gardens for only $3.99/year for up to 4 years. Just go here and add Better Homes and Gardens Magazine to your shopping cart, and then enter coupon code: SHESAVED and you will instantly see the price drop to only $3.99!

Thanks www.shesaved.com!

JOY

Want some cute 'JOY' Alphabet Photography to give to a friend of print for yourself? This would be a great gift for a neighbor or teacher. Easy to put together & inexpensive= GREAT FUN! :-) Check out her blog here to get these images to print!

http://craftily-ever-after.blogspot.com/2010/12/joy-alphabet-photography-printables.html

single digits!

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain: 17 lbs+
Maternity clothes? all in maternity clothes now.
Stretch marks? not yet
Sleep: sleeping pretty good (so far!)
Best moment this week: my nesting instincts kicking in. I am all about ordering the carseat this week!
Miss Anything? putting on my socks/shoes without grunting :-) & bending down to pick up anything without thinking "thats a really long ways down!"
Movement: all the time!
Food cravings: meat, i crave a good steak
Anything making you queasy or sick: thankfully no!
Gender: no clue!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: HAPPY! Although a sad commercial can cause the waterworks to just start! :-)
Looking forward to: heading out of town tomorrow & taking T-man to his FIRST movie this week {the new Muppets movie!}

Local Christmas Events for Families

1.)  Jordan Creek Towne Center Christmas Tree Lighting w/ Fireworks!

This Friday night @ Jordan Creek Towne Center:  we did this last year & Had so much fun!  It ended up with FIREWORKS & a tree lighting ceremony.  So much fun.  T-man loved seeing the sky light up last year.  We won't be able to attend this year because of ISU's last football game, but if you get a chance...take your family & make a night of it!

Santa's Arrival, Tree Lighting & Fireworks!

11/18/2011 - 11/18/2011

Join us, and Presenting Sponsor Veridian Credit Union, for our annual tree lighting event in the Amphitheater. Dueling Pianos will kick off the evening at 6 pm, followed by Santa's arrival, annual tree lighting and fireworks!

LOCATION: Amphitheater

TIME: 6 pm - 7 pm
http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com/events/santas-arrival-tree-lighting-fireworks

2.) Downtown Ames Christmas tree lighting night.  This Saturday 4-7 pm downtown ames. tree lightening ceremony @ 5:30, horse-drawn carriages, visit from Santa & kiddie train rides. 

http://www.mainstreetculturaldistrict.com/files/announcements/851.pdf

3.) Ames E-free Live Nativity day & kid friendly activities!

Ames E-free Nativity, day-long Christmas event there will be a live nativity with a petting zoo, caroling, music performances, a village craft room for kids, cookie decorating, a full food menu, and Christmas tree displays. We went last year & had SO MUCH FUN.  Here is some more information:
he Perfect Gift

Saturday, December 10
11:00am-6:00pm

First Free will present “The Perfect Gift” a Community Christmas Experience at the PLEX. As part of this old fashioned day-long Christmas event there will be a live nativity with a petting zoo, caroling, music performances, a village craft room for kids, cookie decorating, a full food menu, and Christmas tree displays.

http://www.amesefc.org/details/AnnounceDetails.aspx?AnnounceId=1880

4.) Dinner Theater @ Cornerstone Church.  We go every year to these plays/musicals & we LOVE THEM.  If you get a chance here is the information:

Christmas Tickets
A JB & Linda Family Christmas | December 8-18

This year, it's "A JB & Linda Family Christmas," complete with a hearty meal and all the songs you love presented by JB, Linda and their extended family.

SHOW TIMES
Thursday, December 8 | 7:00p
Friday, December 9 | 7:00p
Saturday, December 10 | 7:00p
Sunday, December 11 | 7:00p

Thursday, December 15 | 7:00p
Friday, December 16 | 7:00p
Saturday, December 17 | 7:00p
Sunday, December 18 | 7:00p

(Doors open at 6:30p each night.)

Purchase Tickets

TICKETS
All seating is reserved. Basic tickets (sections A, B & C) are $20 per person (includes meal & show). Upgrade to the "Sleigh Bell Package" (section SB) for $25 per person and enjoy front row seating and personalized party favors from JB & Linda. If you're a college student, attend the December 8 show for a discounted rate of $15 (sections A, B & C only).

Tickets will be available online, in the foyer after weekend services and at the Cornerstone office weekdays from 8:00a to 5:00p. Because this is a dinner theater event in our main foyer, seating is limited to 384 persons per show.

Length of event: 2 hours

MEAL MENU
Mixed green salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing
Iowa pork chop (9 ounces) smothered with white gravy and topped with grilled onions
French cut green beans
Cornbread with honey butter
Red velvet cupcakes
Ice tea & lemonade

CHILDCARE INFORMATION
Childcare is not provided at any of the performances. Recommended minimum age is 9. Young'uns under the age of 4 will not be permitted at the event.

http://www.cornerstonelife.com/christmas

Starbucks Deal!

Head over to Starbucks November 17–20 from 2–5 p.m. for a great deal!

When you purchase one holiday beverage and get a second one free! Offer valid on holiday favorites: Peppermint Mocha or new Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Gingerbread Latte or Eggnog Latte

Find a Starbucks near you.