Sunday, February 28, 2010

grocery shopping with the kiddos!

i thought this is completely brilliant, I got this idea from makesandtakes.com! our little one is no where near this but an idea i want to keep in mind for the future no doubt!  Going grocery shopping with the kiddos is no easy task (and we only have one, that isn't even moble yet!) but try and make it a game where they can "play" too.  For instance: 

cut out pictures of food from the ads that come in the mail, coupon pictures or from the grocery store fliers.  give them a couple of items they can "help" search for.  helps keep them focued and hopefully your grocery store trip a little LESS stressful than it already is!

debt: don't buy stuff --Saturday night live!

this is a funny skit from saturday night live skit on how americans live and put everything on their credit cards.  a lesson so simple but so hard for many of us!  (including ourselves!)  Three years ago we started the Dave Ramsey "financial peace" and are slowly working at kicking our debt (our student loans) to the curb, which at times is very trying.  Thought this added a little humor to the mix.

Oreo, carmel & brownie = a yummy treat!

With a sick child this weekend we put our diet on "hold" for this sweet treat!  We were somehow good and only had one each, and i gave the rest of them away including the ingredients (much to my husband's demise!)  :-) Here it is:

Ingredients:
oreos
carmels
whip cream
brownie mix

1st:  crush the oreos and line your cupcake liner:
2nd: unwrap carmels and put on top of oreos

 
3rd: cover oreos & carmel with brownie batter (cook batter as the box directed)
4th:  bake @ 350 for 15-17 mins.  then serve warm with whip topping!

Friday, February 26, 2010

up and comin' writer! :-)

click on the link below to check out an article with yours truly Haley Huhn (my little sister) is in. her friend (and adopted sister by the huhn family) wrote the article. she is a senior is college and this is her 3rd published piece of work. so excited for your jen!


http://inisites.com/extras/ss_ames/special_sections_pdf.php?ss_id=201
 

Thursday, February 25, 2010

flylady!

one of my awesome aunts (thanks aunt sue) turned me onto this great little housekeeping website @ http://www.flylady.net/index.asp.  FlyLady helps you as she weaves her way through housecleaning and organizing tips with homespun humor, daily musings about life and love.  I'll be the first to admit since my little one was born (over five months ago: EEK) I find it harder to keep up with the everyday tasks, including just getting a good routine down.  although i'm starting to get a good rythem.  this has been amazing for that.  You first start off with "baby steps"  a 31 day challenge.  i'm lovin it so far.  growing up i was what you called a "tom boy" (my dad had three girls for a VERY long time) who helped my dad on the farm ALOT.  i started driving vehicles around our farm at 10, can still drive and operate a skid loader with the best of them, powerwash pig pens, and know to get a pig to the market (literally).  However, being domestic was not in my makeup.  Thankfully i had a good friend, and mom (and a VERY patient husband) to teach me these tasks in college and afterwards! :-) anyways, check it out.  see what you think. 

our simple things!

Okay, I'll admit it.  I'm a junkie.  I LOVE candles.  What is your "simple thing" that makes your day better? coffee? a walk? getting into a good discussion? 

Want to know Ryan's?  Its youtube.  And not just youtube.  its playing with homemade videos of our family, events etc.  his latest project (and i'm very embaressed but oddly amused to admit his latest project!) last friday evening we watched Alvin and the chipmunks dvd.  it was so cute.  so ryan has changed a couple of our home videos to us sounding like chipmonks.  sad i know.  this is what amuses us! maybe we'll post one on here. 
  and Tuckers?

anything he can put in his mouth!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

spring?

Are you looking forward to spring?  Doesn't this picture get you excited for sunny days?  i know i've been a little encouraged lately by days getting longer.

RSV

On Friday Tucker started coming down with a cold.  Then, on Monday it wasn't getting any better and Tuesday it was really starting to get worse.  I called our amazing friend "nurse deb"  as we affectionally call her to see if we should get Tucker to the doctor.  She suggested we should & I was thankfully able to get a 4:30 appointment.  We were there for an hour and a half and Tucker tested postive for RSV: below is a little about rsv.  We went home and did the medicated breathing ventilator three times and went in again this morning to the doctors office.  he is doing MUCH better, but still not feeling overall great.  We are supposed to stay away from children under the age of 13 until Monday.  We have another doctors appointment on Friday, but Lord willing I hope we won't need to go.  a few thoughts we've had in the last 24 hours:

1.)  So thankful God has given us a healthy baby.  Its so EASY to take for granted good health.  We are so thankful this is so minor compaired to the many other diseases, cancers & mental illnesses that are out there. 
2.) So thankful for good nurse friends
3.) The "snot sucker" (and all you parents out there should know what i'm talking about!) is a Godsend! 



Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups

Symptoms
Bluish skin color due to a lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
Breathing difficulty or labored breathing
Cough
Croupy cough (often described as a "seal bark" cough)
Fever
Nasal flaring
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
Shortness of breath
Stuffy nose
Wheezing

Note: Symptoms vary and differ with age. Infants under age 1 are most severely affected and often have the most trouble breathing. Older children usually have only mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms usually appear 4 - 6 days after coming in contact with the virus.
Treatment

Antibiotics do not treat RSV. Mild infections go away without treatment. Infants and children with a severe RSV infection may be admitted to the hospital so they can receive oxygen, humidified air, and fluids by IV.
A breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed.
Causes
RSV is the most common germ that causes lung and airway infections in infants and young children. Most infants have had this infection by age 2. Outbreaks of RSV infections typically begin in the fall and run into the spring.

RSV is spread easily by physical contact. Touching, kissing, and shaking hands with an infected person can spread RSV. The disease spreads from person to person through contact with contaminated tiny droplets or objects that the droplets have touched.



Monday, February 15, 2010

Something to chew on...

Today this little devotion really spoke to me, so awesome!


Every Yes Involves a No

 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.  Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it."
Luke 14:28 (NIV)
         
Devotion:
So, how are you doing on your New Year's Resolutions?  If you are like many of us, frustration has set in.  Maybe you are already behind on your read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan.  Are the numbers on the scale increasing, rather than decreasing?  Did that goal to reduce television watching stop when American Idol started?

While we love to set goals, and dream of becoming a slimmed down, spiritually mature and more well-read version of ourselves, the living out of those goals is infinitely more challenging. 

That's because every time we set a goal for ourselves, a more appealing alternative is presented.  Have you noticed this phenomenon?  Just as you decide to diet, someone brings you a plate of brownies they "baked just for you."  As soon as you decide to get up early and pray, the cold weather makes it much more appealing to stay in bed.  And that decision to stop gossiping gets challenged when some interesting news about your boss finds its way to your inbox. 

Every good intention will be met with a challenge at some point.  Without a plan, most of us will abandon those intentions, telling ourselves we knew we couldn't  _________ (fill in the blank).

The reason this happens is we overlook the fact that every "yes" we say, requires a "no" to something else.  Without that understanding, we operate outside of how life works, and underestimate the cost of achieving our goals. 

Here's an example of what I mean.  When you say "yes" to reading your Bible every day, you have to say "no" to the morning news or your favorite novel.  If you say "yes" to teaching a small group of women, you'll say "no" to your favorite Tuesday night tv show, plus free time to prepare.

There will always be a sacrifice of something when we desire to move forward in an area of our lives.  Goals are exciting.  Possibility of change is alluring.  Sacrifice is hard, but worth it in the big picture of our lives.  In fact, it's the road Jesus called His followers to walk daily.

The resolutions you set at the beginning of the year have great value if they are helping you grow into a more disciplined, mature follower of Christ.  However, if you feel like you've reached a plateau, or hit a dead end, perhaps it's time to evaluate if you've said enough "no's." 

I invite you to remove the "New Year's" label, and reevaluate the goals you set in January.  Recommit to them and consider what you'll have to sacrifice to make them happen.  The good news about sacrifice is we serve a Lord who lived it out on our behalf.  When we are frustrated with the cost of achieving our goals, we can always turn to the One who understands. 
                                                                                                                                                                          
Dear Lord, I praise You and thank You for sacrificing Your son, Jesus, so I could live forever with You. In light of that, help me keep my sacrifices in perspective.  I ask for Your strength to fulfill the dreams and goals You have placed in my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

like this devotion?  check out http://www.crosswalk.com/

Ode to Iowa

hopes this puts a smile on your face!

 
 It's winter in Iowa
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Iowa
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Iowa
I'm frozen to the ground!

Super Fun Date IDea!

I love corney, i love cheesey. I just do! :-)  so when I came acorss this ...wow.  Need a fun date night activity to do with your family or spouse?  Check this website out below where you can make up your OWN crossword.  I made one of these up yesterday for Ryan on V-Day and had alot of fun with it with the questions.  I.E  Where was our first kiss? What did I want to be when I grew up?  Where did we go on our honeymoon...you get the idea.  Enjoy!  http://www.crosswordpuzzlegames.com/create.html

Pull my tab gift idea!

I made my mom one yesterday for her birthday.  i ended up putting a gift card in hers.  It turned out great!  All thanks to Today's Creative Blog for the inpiring idea to get you going! These would be great for baby show favors, kids birthday favors, and holding gift cards.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

family fun

with all the snow we've got this winter if your looking for some fun, FREE family fun check this out.  we are so in!  Tucker is getting to the age where he LOVES to watch people and see new things.  let us know if you want to go too, we'd love to see you there as well! 
CYCLONE RACE:
North Grand Mall
Ames, IA
February 27, 2010
11:00AM — 1:00PM

Beat the winter blues and join Iowa State University at North Grand Mall for the 2010 Retail Race on Saturday, February 27.

You don't need to be an athlete for this race! Start at the ISU booth near center court in the mall to pick up your entry card. Stop by all participating stores to get your card filled out and drop it off at the booth before 1:00 to receive a free t-shirt and a chance to win the Grand Prize Package!


The Grand Prize Package includes:

•Garmin® nĂ¼vi® 255W GPS

•ISU merchandise

•2 tickets to the Feb. 27 women's basketball game

•Gift cards
A few special guests will be stopping by including Cy, a few members of the volleyball team, and the ISU cheer squad! Plus, KIX 101.1 will be broadcasting live from the mall from 10:00-11:30!

Bring the whole family out and beat the winter blues with Iowa State and North Grand Mall!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Ryan's Birthday!


On Wednesday was Ryan's 29th birthday!  However it was not an enjoyable day.  I woke up @ 3:00 am and tossed my cookies and he started a few hours later-NOT a fun way to celebrate your birthday!! :-(  Luckily on Wednesday I was feelin so-so (so i could take care of Tucker)  but on thursday is when I really got "hit" by this bug and ryan was just so-so...so thanks to some AMAZING FRIENDS (Tim & Jessica Hibbing)  we were able to be "Tucker free" for a good chunk of time to sleep and get better.  I think we are planning on having ryan's birthday tomorrow (saturday)  hopefully we'll be back to 100% health by then, Lord willing.  We sure hope you are staying healthy this winter! 

Walgreens: Huggies diapers 2.64 a pack TODAY ONLY!


check out this post to save some SERIOUS money on diapers! At the Ames store they are out of the $1/1 Walgreens Childrens Activity Book that would save an additonal 1.00 listed on the website.  Still, 2.64 for a pack of diapers...yes please!  This would make great baby shower, or new baby gifts! I know personally we know ALOT of prego women!

Hollywood Video Store Closings: Movies As Low As $2

Hollywood Video has once again filed for bankruptcy and is closing many of its store. We here you can find used movies as low as $2-$5 at the stores that are going out of business. http://www.hollywoodvideo.com/storelocator.aspx To see if one is closing near you, check out the Hollywood Video Store Locater. It will clearly state which stores are closing. You can also preview the movies before you buy.
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO


637 LINCOLN WY

AMES, IA 50010

Phone: (515) 233-9777

Closing Sale - Savings Storewide



Hours



Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Monday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM






Thanks, Freebies 2 Deals

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Thanks! You are sweet…free download!

Seriously I cannot believe all the CUTE ideas that people come up with.  Need a cute way to say thank you? check this out! thanks to living locurto for this idea and download!  check out this link to make these!  (you'll have the check my comments section again for the link)

yummy valentines day treats!

a neat and sweet treat for your family or friends!  i had alot of fun making them...want to try?  here is the recipe:
Glazed Brownie Hearts


Ingredients

1 box Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch) or Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box

1 container (1 pound) Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

Betty Crocker Decorating Decors multicolored candy sprinkles or colored sugar



Preparation
Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil. Grease foil (i used parchment paper, worked ALOT better) on bottom only of pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make brownie mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Bake as directed for 13x9-inch pan. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Using foil to lift, remove brownie from pan; remove foil. With deep 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut 14 brownies. Place brownie hearts on a cooling rack or waxed paper.

In a microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 10 to 30 seconds. Stir; frosting will be thick and spoonable. DO NOT BOIL. Carefully spoon melted frosting over brownies to glaze, allowing excess to drip down sides. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles before frosting sets.

Friday, February 5, 2010

weigh in wednesday!

in short:  stayed the same.  wasn't a good week--made brownies, enough said! :-)  we're going to get back on track though!

5.00 Bag Sale!

2nd Time Around, a clothing/home goods congisnment shop in Story City is having a 5.00 bag sale coming next week.  mark your calenders.  :-)  when my sisters and i were little we LOVED this store.  haven't been in awile, but will definetly be checking it out. Hope i'll find a few treasures for the men in my life!  Information:

Start Time: Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 10:00am


End Time: Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 4:00pm

Location: 521 Broad St, Story City, Ia

Thursday, February 4, 2010

*ChEaP* Valentine's day Treat for your HUBBY!

Thanks you Jeanne Winters!  "Udaman" valentines day bars for your hubby! I made my hubby one already! (i was too excited and I couldn't wait! :-) ) 


Click to her blog link to make one yourself! For some reason my cut and paste feature isn't working.  i'm going to try and post it in my comments section of this post!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tucker Laughing

The other night Ashley had Tucker really laughing hard.  I was able to catch a little bit of it on camera.  Everyday we make a comment on how much fun he is!  Tucker really loves his Mom and she is by far his favorite person!

Messy Monday's End product

so i set the timer, and 15 mins later a cleaner, more organized area! I have alot of tide 1 load samples I purchased from Target's travel section.  There was a coupon last month 1.00 off ANY tide product (and they cost .97 cents--hello free product plus a few!)  Well, i went to ebay and bought 20 of them for .50 cents with free shipping!  (and yes, i realize this makes me a huge dork!) I don't plan to use them but think fun little high school graduation gifts.  example you could give them a laundry basket, hangers, lint roller, dryer sheets...you get the idea!  :-)

Monday, February 1, 2010

Fun way to decorate

a fun way to decorate!  Use any words: examples : LOVE, VALENTINE, FOOTBALL, someones name etc... an occupation like TEACHER, you get the idea.  enjoy! :-)

Messy Monday's

I'm going to start a segment called, Messy Mondays.  I don't know about you, but there is always a drawer that needs to be organized a closet that needs some cleaning or a room that just needs HELP! :-)  So, in an effort to get more organized this new segment will be 15 min. messy monday.  i will set the timer (well, thats about all i can do before my little one starts crying for attention)  and see what i can accomplish in that amount of time. Today my messy monday is our little laundry room.  I'll start with our before picture.  its one of those places where lint starts to collect, laundry soap spills etc.  so here is the before.  hope to get a after picture once its done.  check back tonight for the "finished product"  :-)

Tucker Update 4.5 Month

this one is mainly for our relatives so they can get an update on Tucker.  He is 4.5 months now!  CANNOT believe how quickly he is growing.  He loves to be around people.  We always joke that he gets bored with us! :-)  He had his four month checkup not too long ago and was 16.3 pounds &  26.5 inches long.  He is in the 90th percentile for height.  I am REALLY hoping he will get his dad's height and not his moms! :-)  He has two other little guy friends Adam & Elijiah.  He loves to "play" with them.  AKA stare at one another.  He loves to put anything in his mouth and LOVES to pull on mom's hair. He even rolled over, but so far its been a one hit wonder!   We have even "upped" his bedtime to 7:30ish.  (which is AMAZING for us!)  He wakes up around 7:00/7:15ish and takes usually one good nap a day and two small cat naps.  He hates getting in his car seat and getting dressed (mainly anything going over his head)  and LOVES to be in his diaper.  Bathtime is always a highlight (for us too) and he LOVES to splash and make lots of waves with his quick movements.  He is getting closer to being able to sit up on his own, but not there yet.  okay, thats it for now!

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